WILLOW GROVE, PA — The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has unveiled the winners of its 28th annual Cheers Awards, recognizing healthcare leaders who have advanced medication safety through technology, workforce protection and patient-centered practices. The awards will be presented December 9, 2025, at the House of Blues in Las Vegas.
Rita K. Jew, president of ISMP, said this year’s honorees demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can strengthen safety systems across the healthcare continuum. She said each awardee has contributed to meaningful improvements that protect both patients and clinical staff.
AdventHealth earned recognition for a systemwide approach to smart infusion pump safety. Over the past year, the organization implemented smart pump integration — including autoprogramming and autodocumentation — across more than 50 hospitals in nine states. The strategy also includes a multidisciplinary oversight committee, standardized drug libraries and a data dashboard used to track performance, contributing to a 95% compliance rate. AdventHealth has shared its model at national safety conferences.
Two oncology nursing leaders, MiKaela Olsen and AnnMarie Walton, were honored for their work to improve the safe handling of hazardous drugs. Their contributions span global standards, influential publications and new initiatives aimed at reducing exposure risks for healthcare workers. Their leadership has supported guideline development, legislation and education used widely in oncology settings.
The Michael R. Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Martin J. Hatlie, a longtime advocate for strengthening the role of patients and families in safety efforts. Hatlie helped establish the National Patient Safety Foundation and has led multiple initiatives funded by CMS, AHRQ and PCORI. His work includes contributions to national safety toolkits, patient engagement frameworks and policy development tied to Medicare’s 2025 patient safety measures.
Hatlie also cofounded Patients for Patient Safety US, the domestic arm of a World Health Organization network focused on patient partnership. He continues to serve on national advisory boards and panels guiding safety improvement strategies.
Dheerendra Kommala, chief medical officer at ECRI, said this year’s recipients reflect a commitment to building systems that reduce harm and support accountability. He said their achievements highlight how strong safety cultures can drive lasting, organization-wide change.
ISMP’s Cheers Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership and innovation in medication safety.
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