05/15/2026
Nurses Week and Hospital Week at Wilcox Medical Center and Kaua‘i Medical Clinic gave us a special opportunity to celebrate the people who make a difference every day. 🧡
At our Nurse and Employee of the Year awards luncheon, we came together to recognize team members whose compassion, dedication, and commitment to excellence truly stand out. Each honoree represents the heart of Wilcox and the care we provide to our Kaua‘i community.
From meaningful moments of recognition to stories shared by peers and leaders, the luncheon was a chance to pause and honor the incredible work happening across our teams every day.
Nurses of the Year
• Clinical Excellence in Nursing Practice: George Kato, NP, Kaua‘i Medical Clinic – Kapaʻa Family Medicine
• Professional Advancement: Jasmine Yukimura, RN, Kaua‘i Medical Clinic Health Management
• Community Stewardship: April Dieguez, RN, Wilcox Medical Center Trauma
• Excellence in Patient-Centered Care and Patient Experience: Holly Wheeler, RN, Wilcox Medical Center ED
• Exemplary Nurse Mentor: Stacy Matsuyama, RN, Wilcox Medical Center Med-Surg
• Outstanding Nurse Leader: Kalia Rabaino, RN, Wilcox Medical Center Med-Surg
• Emerging New Nurse: Allison Cadiz, RN, Wilcox Medical Center OR
Employees of the Year
• Clinical Excellence: Jennifer Purtlebaugh – Wilcox Medical Center OR
• Professional Advancement: Nakisha Dotimas – Wilcox Medical Center Mother-Baby Care Unit
• Community Stewardship: Mona Villatora – Wilcox Medical Center Rehab
• Excellence in Patient-Centered Care and Patient Experience: Daphne Otoman – Kaua‘i Medical Clinic Hematology/Oncology
• Exemplary Mentor: Lee Takekuma – Wilcox Medical Center Telecommunications
• Outstanding Leader: Robin Lotu – Wilcox Medical Center Food and Nutrition
Mahalo to our Wilcox Health team for the care, heart, and expertise you bring to our patients and community. 🫶