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Greater Bridgeport Medical Association Announces Inaugural Future of Healthcare Award Honorees

The Greater Bridgeport Medical Association (GBMA) is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Future of Healthcare Awards, recognizing outstanding healthcare professionals under the age of 40 who are making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

The awards were created to celebrate the next generation of healthcare leaders and to recognize individuals whose dedication, innovation, compassion, and leadership are helping to shape the future of healthcare throughout the Greater Bridgeport region.

The 2026 honorees represent a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, dental professionals, and community health workers. Together, they reflect the many disciplines that contribute to improving patient care and advancing public health.

2026 Future of Healthcare Award Honorees

Physicians

Rohan Bhojwani, MD – Healing Pulse Medical (Internal Medicine)
Sean Butler, MD, FAAP – Pediatric Healthcare Associates (Pediatrics)
Andrew Smith, MD, PhD – Connecticut Vascular Surgical Associates (Vascular Surgery)
Christine Liaw, MD – Hartford HealthCare (Urology)

Physician Assistant

Elizabeth Songer, PA – Yale New Haven Health

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Shannon Cardoza, APRN – Hartford HealthCare
Michael DeMasi, DNP, FNP-BC, APRN – Sage Healthcare

Registered Nurse

Labriah Johnson, RN – New Milford Hospital

Dental Hygienist

Haydees Valencia, RDH – Southwest Community Health Center

Community Health Worker

Angie Rendon – Bridgeport Prospers / United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut

“The future of healthcare depends on talented and dedicated professionals who are committed to serving patients, strengthening communities, and improving access to care,” said John Brannelly, MPH, Executive Director of the Greater Bridgeport Medical Association. “We are honored to recognize these outstanding individuals as the inaugural class of Future of Healthcare Award recipients.”

The Future of Healthcare Awards recognize professionals who live or work in Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford, and Trumbull and who have demonstrated excellence in patient care, leadership, community service, innovation, advocacy, education, or public health.

The inaugural awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation.

Healthcare professionals, community leaders, family members, friends, and supporters are invited to join GBMA in celebrating this remarkable group of emerging healthcare leaders.

For tickets and sponsorship information, please call 203-513-2045 or email staff@fcma.org

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Greater Bridgeport Medical Association Announces 2026 Future of Healthcare Award Nominations

The Greater Bridgeport Medical Association (GBMA) is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Future of Healthcare Award, recognizing outstanding healthcare professionals under the age of 40 who are making a meaningful impact throughout the Greater Bridgeport region.

The award honors young healthcare leaders who demonstrate excellence in patient care, leadership, community service, education, advocacy, innovation, and dedication to improving the health and well-being of the community.

Eligible nominees must live or work in the Greater Bridgeport area, including Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford, and Trumbull.

Healthcare professionals eligible for nomination may include, but are not limited to:

Physicians
Physician Assistants
Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
EMTs and Paramedics
Pharmacists
Dentists
Psychologists
Physical Therapists
Social Workers
Public Health Professionals
Other allied healthcare professionals

Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to their profession, leadership within the healthcare community, and a passion for improving the lives of patients and residents throughout the region.

Nominations must be submitted by Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Award recipients will be notified in advance of the event.

The 2026 Future of Healthcare Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course.

To nominate a healthcare professional, use this link.

For more information about the Greater Bridgeport Medical Association, visit Greater Bridgeport Medical Association.

News Alert: GBMA Announces 2026 Physician Leadership Award Honorees

The Greater Bridgeport Medical Association (GBMA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Distinguished Physician Leadership Awards and Distinguished Physician Community Service Award: Karen E. Gibbs, MD; Shea C. Gregg, MD; and Neal Fischbach, MD. These distinguished physicians will be honored at the GBMA Annual Physician and Nurse Awards Dinner & Scholarship Program on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Vazzano’s Four Seasons, 337 Kenyon Street in Stratford.

The evening will celebrate excellence in medicine and nursing while supporting the future of healthcare through scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Bridgeport public high schools pursuing careers in healthcare. In addition, new recognition awards will be presented to seniors and recent graduates from Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Bridgeport who plan to attend medical school. The program will culminate with the presentation of the Robert D. Scinto Scholarship, including a $5,000 grand prize.

Community leaders, healthcare professionals, and supporters are invited to participate in this meaningful event, which will also feature nursing service awards and remarks from guest speaker The Honorable David Chess, MD, Mayor of Stratford. Proceeds help fund scholarships and recognition programs that strengthen the healthcare workforce in Greater Bridgeport.

Sponsorship opportunities and Host Committee participation are now available for individuals and organizations seeking meaningful visibility while aligning with a respected community initiative. To learn more about sponsorship levels, underwriting opportunities, or to reserve tickets, please contact JohnB@fcma.org.