Golden Thirteen Honorees include Henry Ford Wyandotte hospital physician and nurse
Two of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital's own were honored at the Golden Thirteen Surgical Technology Conference in conjunction with Wayne County Community College District. The awardees, Gwendolyn Allen, RN and Dr. Henri Pierre-Jacques, were recognized for their achievements as role models in their specialties.
The Golden Thirteen was established in 1944 when thirteen African-American men tested the highest in the Officer Candidate School for the Naval Academy, scoring higher than their white male counterparts. Not only did they pass the test once, but were tested a second time and their scores were the highest ever recorded. The 13 men made history and became the U.S. Navy's first African-American officers on active duty.
Allen calls the Operating Room of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital her second home and she has been working with the System for more than 27 years. Not only have coworkers called her a joy in the OR, but she was recognized by her peers as a Star of Excellence.
"Gwen has such a positive attitude and is passionate about providing quality care to our patients," said Cindy Nichols, Director of Surgical Services. "Gwen lights up our department with her smile, when she arrives to work. Her beauty shines from within. She is a tremendous asset to the Henry Ford Wyandotte surgery department."
Dr. Dennis Lemanski, senior vice president of medical affairs and medical education, attended the event in support of Dr. Pierre-Jacques.
"When you sit there and see what they've done and given of themselves, I had a tear in my eye," Dr. Lemanski said. "They are very humble people, they are not out there seeking attention or looking for awards. I am proud to say they are part of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital and the Henry Ford Health System."
Dr. Pierre-Jacques, or "PJ" as he is affectionately called, also had many accolades from his peers.
"PJ is the doctor's doctor," Dr. Lemanski said. "There is no higher compliment paid to a physician than when they themselves or a member of their family needs orthopaedic care they immediately think of PJ."
