We Award Compassionate Care

Claudio Pannunzio has been an indispensable advocate for TPIU’s public outreach, brand development, and legislative visibility.  His tireless commitment to advancing TPIU’s message has amplified our national presence and inspired countless others to join the movement toward compassionate healthcare.

Senator Somers, now serving her fifth term in the Connecticut General Assembly, represents several towns in Southeastern Connecticut. As the Ranking Member of the Public Health Committee, she has been a consistent and passionate advocate for patients and a strong voice on healthcare policy. TPIU deeply appreciates Senator Somers’ leadership, compassion, and dedication to ensuring that patient-centered care remains at the forefront of public health discussions. We look forward to working with her in the 2026 legislative session to advance healthcare that truly places the patient first.

Representative Genga has devoted his life to public service — first as a teacher at East Hartford High School, and for nearly two decades as a member of the Connecticut General Assembly, where he currently serves as Deputy Majority Whip At Large. TPIU is especially grateful to Representative Genga for sponsoring House Bill 5745, “An Act Concerning Continuing Education for Physicians in Treating Patients with Empathy,” which began an important statewide discussion about compassion in healthcare. We honor Representative Genga for his leadership and his unwavering belief that empathy and respect belong at the center of patient care.

Representative Belton has devoted her career to helping people — as a licensed master social worker with nearly two decades of patient-focused experience and as a member of the Connecticut General Assembly since 2023. Her dedication was quickly recognized, leading to her role as Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee. Rep. Belton has been a strong supporter of the TPIU mission, reminding all of us that “too often there is something missing in our discussions — the needs of the patient.” Her leadership helped inspire Governor Ned Lamont’s proclamation designating “The Patient Is U (TPIU) Day” in Connecticut.

Dr. Chase Livingston is a compassionate and attentive provider who listens carefully to each patient, combining his extensive knowledge with a dedication to individualized care. A former Division One baseball player at the University of Rhode Island and a professional baseball player with the Kansas City Royals, Dr. Livingston brings a unique understanding of athletic demands to his work. Known for his expertise and friendly approach, he creates tailored treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes for every patient, from weekend warriors to professionals.

Founder of the Kanarek Family Foundation and lifelong advocate for compassionate patient care,  Robin Kanarek has been a pioneering voice for dignity, empathy, and family support in healthcare.  Her leadership and advocacy embody the heart of TPIU’s mission, setting the standard for what it means to turn compassion into action.

“Generous with his hugs, time and treasure.”

The vision and mission of the family stores is to make people feel great. Jack has emphasized this mission throughout his career in the stores and in his books. In 2003, Jack Mitchell launched a “second career” as a speaker and author. His first book, Hug Your Customers: The Proven Way to Personalize Sales and Achieve Astounding Results, was a Wall Street Journal best seller and received rave reviews in the New York Times. In addition, it was endorsed by Warren Buffet on the cover. In April, 2015, a revised and updated version of Hug Your Customers was released. In 2008, Jack published his second book, Hug Your People: The Proven Way to Hire, Inspire, and Recognize Your Employees to Achieve Remarkable Results where he illustrates a business blueprint to personalize relationships to drive success and achieve greater satisfaction at work. In 2018, Jack published his third book, Selling the Hug Your Customers Way: The Proven Process for Becoming a Passionate and Successful Salesperson for Life which illustrates how to apply the proven principles of Hug Your Customers to refine selling techniques, boost sales and keep customers coming back for more.

“A lifelong exemplar of courage and compassion; he walks the talk.”

Over the course of Dr. K. J. Lee’s 50-year career as an otolaryngologist, in addition to delivering first rate medical and surgical care for his patients, the hallmark of his practice has been care rendered with compassion. He firmly believes that compassion is not only morally and ethically required in medical care, but that it also brings forth better medical outcomes for patients. He founded "The Patient Is U" – TPIU – to promote treating patients the way you would want to be treated. TPIU’s motto is: “Skills to treat, heart to care, at a sensible cost.”

“Compassion forged from experience.”

Robin Kanarek is the President of the Kanarek Family Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded with her husband, Joseph, in 2006. The foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by cancer and other life-threatening conditions through the promotion, education, and integration of palliative care into all aspects of health care. Through innovative and collaborative projects at Fairfield University School of Nursing in Fairfield, CT, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, and the George Washington University for Spirituality and Health, the Kanarek Family Foundation focuses on educating the public and healthcare professionals to the many benefits of early integration of palliative care.

“Makes compassion happen.”

Gary Havican serves as the president of MidState Medical Center, The Hospital of Central Connecticut’s New Britain and Bradley Memorial Campuses, and Hunters Ambulance Service, and is also senior vice president of Hartford HealthCare (HHC). He leads three acute care hospitals, a large commercial ambulance service, and a comprehensive cancer center. Before being appointed president of the Central Region, he was the regional vice president of operations. Mr. Havican is the recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives Leadership Award, the 2021 “Lifetime Achievement/C-Suite” Award from the Hartford Business Journal, and has received numerous other awards for professional contributions and community service.

“All the doctors and staff practice the principles of TPIU.”

“Putting people first creates quality health care.”

Dr. Susan B. Frampton is the President of Planetree International, a mission-driven non-profit setting the global standard for person-centered excellence across the continuum of care. Dr. Frampton, a medical anthropologist, has authored numerous publications, including three editions of Putting Patients First. She is an elected member of the International Academy of Quality and Safety, and a member of the board of the National Quality Forum. Dr. Frampton is an advisor to person-centered care organizations and initiatives in Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the Middle East, and speaks internationally on consumer trends in healthcare, and connections between quality, safety, and person-centered approaches to care.