Blank Children's Hospital Announces Physician and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Award Winners

The A.H. Blank Physician Award and Advanced Practice Provider STAR Award are an opportunity to celebrate our physicians and providers and their stories of compassion, teamwork, and for always pushing what’s possible. These awards recognize providers who consistently live our values and who go above and beyond every day for their patients. These awards honor their endless contributions to Blank Children’s Hospital and their communities. The physicians and providers of Blank Children’s Hospital touch the lives of patients, families, communities, colleagues, and team members. Both awardees were presented at the Festival of Trees and Lights Gala Tuesday, November 22.

A.H. Blank Physician Award Winner 
Julie Anderson-Suddarth, MD was selected as the A.H. Blank Physician Award winner. Dr. Anderson-Suddarth was nominated for creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere, leading research initiatives in the Blank Children’s Emergency Department and always sharing her knowledge with others. “She provides great care to her patients and is an advocate for her patients, their families, and her colleagues,” says Wendy Woods-Swafford, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer at Blank Children’s Hospital. Dr. Anderson-Suddarth received her medical training from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, Residency at Blank Children’s Hospital and Fellowship at Akron Children’s Hospital. Dr. Anderson-Suddarth has been practicing at Blank Children’s Hospital since 2005. 

The A.H. Blank Physician Award was started in 2021 to honor Mr. Blank’s legacy. Mr. Blank had a reputation for being a kind man with a deep, invested interest in the care for the children and staff at the hospital.

Blank Children’s Hospital Advanced Practice Provider STAR Award Winner 
Cyndy Hockman, MS, ARNP, CPNP, has been named the inaugural Advanced Practice Provider (APP) STAR Award winner for Blank Children’s Hospital. Hockman is a pioneer as she is the very first APP hired at Blank Children’s. Hockman received her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Minnesota and started at Blank Children’s Hospital in 1978 as a staff development educator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Hockman is honored for her leadership and advancing the role of advanced practice nursing at Blank Children’s Hospital. “Cyndy has cared for and advocated for countless infants and children to ensure they receive the developmental interventions they need to meet their fullest potential,” says Dr. Woods-Swafford.