Hartford Business Journal Names 2026 Health Care Heroes

Kwame Asante, MD, FAAPMR

Dr. Asante is being honored in the Physician category. Through his clinical expertise and outstanding leadership, Dr. Asante showcases an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of individuals recovering from and living with brain injury. He has dedicated his career to advancing the field of rehabilitation medicine with a focus on brain injury recovery. Dr. Asante leads the Brain Injury Specialty Program at Mount Sinai, delivering comprehensive, evidence-based rehabilitation for individuals recovering from traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries, helping patients regain independence, purpose and quality of life. Thanks in part to Dr. Asante’s leadership, the program has twice received accreditation by CARF International, representing the highest level of accreditation that can be achieved by a rehabilitation organization. Dr. Asante also serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing awareness, education, advocacy and support for individuals affected by brain injuries throughout the state. His leadership has strengthened clinical programs, enhanced patient outcomes and promoted best practices in brain injury care. 

Above and beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Asante is distinguished by his ability to combine exceptional medical expertise with a deep sense of service. He leads Trinity Health Of New England’s Black Physician and Provider Network, dedicated to fostering a strong, supportive space for Black physicians and providers within the health system and has been a featured speaker at Trinity Health Of New England’s Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit for the last two years. He is widely recognized as a thoughtful physician, dedicated mentor and advocate whose commitment to excellence inspires those around him. Whether caring for patients, guiding current and future health care professionals or championing statewide initiatives, Dr. Asante’s contributions have had, and will continue to have, a profound, lasting and immeasurably positive impact on patients and families cared for at Mount Sinai and Saint Francis as well as the broader Connecticut community.

Arla Washenko, MSN, RN

Arla is being recognized in the Nursing category. A dedicated health care leader whose insight and commitment has transformed the Saint Mary’s Emergency Department, Arla has guided her team through difficulties by constantly nurturing excellence, innovation and compassion. A recipient of the 2025 Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing, Arla’s leadership efforts resulted in the Emergency Department earning the 2026 Lantern Award, a national recognition for excellence in emergency nursing leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. After the challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked to rebuild and strengthen one of the hospital’s busiest departments, implementing process improvements, restoring staffing levels and developing a high-performing leadership team that continues to drive excellence.

Arla is known for her organization and process-driven approach, creating efficiencies and standardizing workflows. Her commitment to continuous improvement has led to significant operational and clinical advancements. Arla’s ability to lead with both strength and empathy is reflected not only in the quality of her work but also in the effect she has on her team. Despite the pressures of emergency medicine, she consistently demonstrates optimism and professionalism, inspiring her team to excel and stay focused on their shared purpose. Dedicated to professional development and leadership growth, Arla provides education and mentorship, while also remaining a staunch advocate for her colleagues and patients. Her clinical expertise, dedication to lifelong learning and pursuit of excellence are exemplified by forward-thinking leadership, measurable improvements and passion for patient care, creating ongoing positive change for her department, the hospital and the community she cares for. As Arla often reminds her team, “we do it for the greater good.”

Saint Mary's Hospital Laboratory

The team from the Saint Mary’s Laboratory is honored in the Health Care Staff category, which recognizes non-clinical teams and individuals. While most of their work takes place behind the scenes, the Laboratory team has a significant impact on both patient care and organizational performance through expanded diagnostic capabilities, improved turnaround times, innovative community partnerships and a commitment to quality, efficiency and teamwork.

The Laboratory is an essential part of patient care, providing the diagnostic information that physicians and care teams rely on to make timely treatment decisions. The department includes microbiology, chemistry, histology, cytology, hematology, the blood bank, outreach and phlebotomy services. Over the past several years, the Lab Team has strengthened its operational capabilities through innovation, workflow redesign and investments in testing and technology.

Earlier this year, the Lab expanded in-house molecular diagnostics by launching PCR testing for the tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma and Babesia, allowing results to be delivered within 24 hours, providing faster diagnostic information and timely patient care. Additional microbiology advancements include new molecular testing platforms, expanded screening capabilities and enhanced testing. The Lab modernized its chemistry and immunoassay operations that improved workflow efficiency, prioritizing emergency specimens and shortened turnaround times for critical tests. The Microbiology Lab acquired a new state-of-the-art analyzer, allowing rapid identification of bacteria, mycobacteria, yeast and mold from patient cultures, facilitating faster appropriate antibiotic treatment. The team is also planning for future advancements, including new coagulation testing capabilities that will further enhance trauma care and clinical decision-making.

New technology is only one aspect that has elevated the operational excellence of the Lab. Workflows were redesigned to improve efficiency, while cross-training ensures almost every team member is qualified in at least one additional discipline, strengthening staffing flexibility and maintaining service continuity.

The Saint Mary’s Laboratory team has demonstrated how operational excellence, innovation, quality outcomes and a strong culture can directly improve patient care while strengthening the organization’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Our 2026 Health Care Heroes will be honored at the HBJ Health Care Heroes Awards event on November 12. You can view all of this year’s honorees on the HBJ website.