Photos courtesy of Ann White and St. Louis Magazine.
Two nurses from the Department of Surgery were selected as winners in St. Louis Magazine’s 2026 Excellence in Nursing Awards, with a third recognized as a finalist.
The annual awards recognize registered nurses across the St. Louis metropolitan region who demonstrate exceptional clinical expertise, leadership, innovation and compassionate patient care. Honorees were selected through an independent panel of national nursing leaders and celebrated at a reception at the Missouri Botanical Garden on June 4.
Photo courtesy of Bailey Elizabeth Rogers and St. Louis Magazine.
Mary Sullivan won top honors in the Cardiovascular category. Sullivan serves as an acute care extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) nurse, working in one of the most high-stakes environments in medicine. Her critical thinking and dedication help anchor a lifesaving program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, which is recognized as a Gold Level Center of Excellence by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. Beyond her category win, Sullivan also earned the prestigious Perfect Score award from the panel of judges.
Photo courtesy of Bailey Elizabeth Rogers and St. Louis Magazine.
Lisa Gabriele was named the winner in the Medical-Surgical Nursing category. Gabriele is a staff nurse with West County Plastic Surgeons and the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Known for her versatility and meticulous attention to detail, Gabriele supports patients through every phase of their reconstructive and cosmetic journeys, combining advanced clinical knowledge with a patient-first approach.
The department also celebrated Heidi Hunsel who was named a finalist in the Advanced Practice category. A nurse practitioner from the Section of Surgical Oncology, Hunsel specializes in the treatment of breast issues, melanoma and endocrine disease at Siteman Cancer Center.
For patients and families in the region, these awards highlight health care professionals who are actively advancing clinical safety, mentoring future caregivers and improving patient outcomes. The Department of Surgery extends its congratulations to Sullivan, Gabriele, Hunsel and all regional honorees for their remarkable commitment to medicine.