News Summary
On February 25, 2025, the Aiken community gathered at Newberry Hall to celebrate the Top Docs Awards banquet, recognizing outstanding medical professionals. The event featured a delightful dinner, entertainment, and heartfelt awards. Notable winners included Latrice Shell, as top nurse practitioner, and the late Dr. Edwin Martinez de Andino, who was honored posthumously. The evening underscored the dedication of local healthcare workers, setting the stage for future awards ceremonies.
Aiken Celebrates Healthcare Heroes at the Top Docs Awards Banquet
Aiken, get ready to celebrate! On a lovely evening, February 25, 2025, the community gathered at Newberry Hall for the much-anticipated Top Docs Awards banquet. Hosted by the Aiken Standard, the gala was a delightful mix of good food, lively entertainment, and of course, heartfelt recognition of the region’s top medical professionals.
Evening Highlights and Entertainment
The banquet kicked off with an exquisite dinner that had guests buzzing with excitement. As plates were cleared, attendees were treated to a fantastic performance by the talented Jason Sikes, who brought the house down with his engaging act. This cozy, festive atmosphere set the perfect tone for the awards presentation that followed, ensuring the evening would be memorable for all.
Gratitude to Sponsors
The success of the evening was made possible thanks to dedicated sponsors. Leading the way was the Aiken Regional Medical Centers, serving as the Presenting Sponsor. Additionally, guests could enjoy snapping pictures throughout the evening, courtesy of Dr. Bauer Vaughters, who took on the role of Photo Sponsor. The Family Medical Center also played a significant role as the Ticket Sponsor, helping to bring the community together in celebrating local healthcare heroes.
Recognizing Outstanding Medical Professionals
The awards ceremony highlighted an impressive list of healthcare professionals voted for by the community through the Aiken Standard readership. Among the notable honorees was Latrice Shell, who was recognized for her excellence as a nurse practitioner. Additionally, Nuclear Care Partners took home accolades for their outstanding nursing staff and in-home care agency services.
In an emotional moment during the ceremony, Dr. Edwin Martinez de Andino was awarded posthumously as the top rheumatologist of the year. His contributions to the field will be remembered fondly by colleagues and patients alike after passing away on November 1, 2024.
A Diverse Collection of Winners
The event recognized a wide variety of specialists, showcasing the depth and talent of the medical professionals in the area. From allergy specialists to audiologists, and from internal medicine practitioners to vein specialists, the awards covered numerous categories. Dr. Myles Potter was awarded the title of top ophthalmologist and his wife, Dr. Kathryn Anne Potter, received recognition as the top dermatologist. This couple has made a significant impact on the health of the community with their combined expertise.
In an especially poignant moment, Dr. Wayne Frei, who has dedicated 30 years of service as a general surgeon, was honored. He announced his plans to retire at the end of the year, making this recognition all the more special as he takes his final bows in the medical field.
Looking Ahead
As the evening wound down, plans for the future were laid out. The next voting period for the Top Docs Awards will close on December 31, 2025, and the community is buzzing with anticipation for the next awards ceremony, set for February 22, 2026. This year, organizers introduced a new approach—separating nominations and voting to distinctly honor medical professionals in their respective fields.
The Top Docs Awards banquet underscored the incredible dedication of medical professionals in Aiken and the surrounding areas. It’s more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a heartfelt celebration of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. So mark your calendars because the next celebration promises to be bigger and better!
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Additional Resources
- Aiken Standard: Top Docs Event Photos
- Aiken Standard: Top Docs Awards Announcement
- WFXG: Oscars Highlights
- Daily Press: Fire Department EMS Honors
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
