1995 – West Palm Beach, Florida
Cynthia (Cindy) Vanek has dedicated her professional career to enhancing, expanding and improving health care services within her community. She has focused on practice, education and research services for both children and adults. Graduating from the University of Rochester’s School of Nursing in 1975, Mrs. Vanek was instrumental in the initiation of Rochester, New York’s first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Patient care and administrative responsibilities were complemented by an academic appointment within the University’s School of Nursing. In addition, she conducted and published research findings related to children’s perceptions of an intensive care environment. Prior to leaving Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital, Mrs. Vanek served as Clinical Chief for Pediatric Nursing and Director of the Graduate Program in Pediatric Nursing. In 1980, Mrs. Vanek and her family moved to West Palm Beach where her dedication to improving health care services continues. Over the past fifteen years she has held numerous positions culminating in her current appointment as Vice President for Patient Care Services for Intracoastal Health Systems, a 785 bed integrated health care organization. Mrs. Vanek oversees multiple patient care programs. Her special interest in cancer helped spur the creation of the Good Samaritan Cancer Institute, which offers inpatient and outpatient health care services, patient and family education and support programs, and conducts clinical research in cancer diagnosis. Accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission On Cancer, the Institute now provides services to over 1500 newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families annually. A statement by Jackie Robinson symbolizes Mrs. Vanek’s commitment to her profession: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
