SGMC Health recognized Tom Lorino, CCP, LP, RRT, Perfusionist at SGMC Health Main, and Student Perfusionist Erik Tovar as the latest recipients of the Safe Care Award. The recognition honors their remarkable display of clinical expertise, teamwork, and composure when it mattered most.
During a time-sensitive intraoperative situation, Lorino and Tovar immediately stepped forward to lend their specialized skills and support. Perfusionists are highly trained members of the cardiac surgical team who operate the heart-lung machine and other advanced circulatory support equipment, helping maintain a patient’s blood flow and oxygenation when the heart or lungs require support during surgery. Their expertise proved especially important as the team responded to the rapidly evolving situation, working with focus and purpose while keeping safe care at the center of every decision.
“There are moments in healthcare that remind us just how powerful it is to have the right people beside you,” said Alex Le, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Tom and Erik showed up for their team in an extraordinary way. Their skill, confidence, and willingness to step forward when they were needed most speak volumes about the professionals they are and the culture of care we are building at SGMC Health.”
The Safe Care Award is part of SGMC Health’s commitment to being a High Reliability Organization (HRO), a designation that reflects an organization-wide commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Recipients of the award exemplify core HRO principles such as adherence to safety protocols, proactive risk identification, and a commitment to mentoring and knowledge sharing.
These individuals exemplify SGMC Health’s mission to deliver safe, high-quality care to every patient, every time. The Safe Care Award reflects SGMC Health’s broader commitment to safety and continuous improvement, principles that also support the health system’s ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification through DNV Healthcare Inc. ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard that validates strong quality, safety, and performance systems across the organization.
SGMC Health encourages all team members, patients, and community members to recognize acts of excellence in patient safety. Nominations for the Safe Care Award can be submitted at sgmc.org/recognition.