James Lewis, CEP Named STAR Award Recipient

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843

April 25, 2025 - Even James Lewis, CEP, admits he’s a man of few words, but everyone who works with Lewis will tell you that his actions speak volumes. His deep commitment to patient care and dedication to the organizations STAR values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect are just some of the characteristics Lewis demonstrates to make him the latest STAR Award recipient at Salinas Valley Health.

After a 20-year career serving the country in the Navy, Lewis joined the healthcare system’s Cardiac Wellness Center in 2017 to serve the local community as an Exercise Physiologist with the Cardiac Rehabilitation team. Recently, he earned his Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional credentials - just one more example of his diligence and passion for his patients and profession.

Colleague Betzi Grogin, BSN, RN, CCRP, herself a 2022 DAISY Award recipient, nominated Lewis for the STAR Award praising Lewis’s work ethic and valuable contributions over the years, especially his meticulous attention to detailed charting and paperwork which helps ensure smooth recertifications by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

“He is always willing to share with our patients any information he has with regards to services available in our community,” Grogin wrote. “And after witnessing the tremendous need for social and psychological counseling services that exists with our patient population, he compiled a comprehensive resource booklet for our staff and patients to utilize. James always goes above and beyond.”

Lewis was humble in accepting the honor and credited the entire team, pointing to the group’s shared focus on patient outcomes and mutual support. “We all care deeply about our patients,” said Lewis. “They inspire and motivate us to be our best to help support them in their cardiac care recovery. It’s a true partnership and I’m fortunate to be able to do what I love at a fantastic organization like Salinas Valley Health.”

There were five other outstanding nominees for the monthly STAR Award: Marti Clinton, CRT(M), ARRT(M), Mammography Technologist; Ryan Dorion, Polysomnographic Technician in Cardiology; Maria Chairez Gonzalez, Environmental Services Aide; Sadie Lopez, Volunteer & Guest Services Concierge; and Patricia Saravia, Volunteer & Guest Services Concierge.

Each month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding nurse with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and a STAR Award (for all staff). The DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes and celebrates nurses for their extraordinary compassion, outstanding clinical skills, and personalized care, established by the DAISY Foundation. The STAR Award is a recognition program established by Salinas Valley Health incorporating the organization’s core values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability, and Respect to highlight staff serving our patients, community, and each other with extraordinary results. Nominations are submitted by patients, visitors, and staff. To learn more about the awards visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.