Accolades include Physician of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Advanced Practice Providers Hero and Rehabilitation Therapy and Mental Health Heroes
West Orange, NJ, July 7, 2026 – Two extremely impactful programs and three dedicated health care team members from RWJBarnabas Health were recognized by NJBIZ as 2026 Healthcare Heroes, and were honored at a formal event on June 23 at The Marigold in Somerset. The esteemed NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes list recognizes excellence, promotes innovation and honors the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in the state.
Honorees from RWJBarnabas Health include:
Advanced Practice Provider: Audrey C. Kleet DNP, MBA, ACNP-BC, CCRN, NEA-BC, is responsible for the strategic oversight of the Advanced Practice Providers (APP) workforce across RWJBarnabas Health. Serving as the clinical expert and administrative leader, Dr. Kleet is charged with enhancing the role of advanced practice nurses and physician assistants throughout the system. She is specifically responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive APP strategy in alignment with the system’s goals and collaborating with senior leadership to ensure APPs are appropriately integrated into all aspects of patient care. An accomplished health care leader and practitioner, Dr. Kleet has served as the Administrative Director for Advanced Practice Providers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and is a Volunteer Adjunct Professor at Rutgers School of Nursing.
Mental Health: Trinitas Regional Medical Center’s Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Program was awarded for its exceptional leadership in expanding access to advanced mental health care for patients with severe, treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. Under the direction of Georgios Petrides, MD, an internationally recognized expert in neuromodulation, the program has grown into a regional center of excellence, recently expanding its clinical capacity through the addition of Dr. Rehan Malik and Dr. Nariman Konjkavfard to meet increasing demand across New Jersey. This strategic growth has enhanced access to timely, high-quality neurostimulation treatments while maintaining the program’s longstanding commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. By combining leading clinical expertise, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the latest research-backed practices, the Trinitas ECT Program provides a critical lifeline for patients who have not responded to traditional therapies, offering hope, healing, and improved quality of life for individuals and families throughout the region.
Physician of the Year: As Medical Director of the Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center and the RWJUH Rahway Cancer Program, Gerardo Capo, MD exemplifies outstanding leadership, clinical excellence, and compassionate care. A highly respected medical oncologist specializing in breast and gastrointestinal cancers, Dr. Capo is especially valued within the Hispanic community, where his ability to connect through shared language and culture helps expand access to advanced cancer care. Known for treating every patient with empathy, dignity, and the attentiveness of family, he inspires confidence and hope throughout the cancer journey. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Capo is deeply committed to advancing community health through colorectal cancer outreach, education, and clinical research. His tireless dedication to improving outcomes and enhancing lives makes him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.
Rehabilitation: Children’s Specialized Hospital’s (CSH) Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital provides comprehensive inpatient therapy for children following a serious injury, illness, premature birth, major surgery, chronic illness or pain, or any other life-changing incident. Specialized for infants through young adults, up through age 21, each program provides 24-hour medical and nursing care plus an intensive daily therapy program. The typical length of stay for inpatients at CSH is 30 days but this can vary widely based on the diagnosis, child and family, and program. CSH’s holistic approach ensures each patient, regardless of diagnosis, receives care that treats the entire child. Supported by unsurpassed outcomes and unparalleled patient feedback, CSH specializes in providing a broad range of complex medical and rehabilitative care, with a comprehensive approach that is unmatched. Ongoing research pursuits ensure CSH remains at the forefront of treatment methods and patient outcomes.
Volunteer of the Year: Since joining Community Medical Center as a volunteer in September 2011, Michael Overton has contributed an extraordinary 16,509 hours of service, making a lasting impact on patients, visitors, and staff. As a Lobby Ambassador, he warmly greets employees and guests, assists with patient and visitor transportation, and helps maintain welcoming front-desk areas. In 2024, he expanded his contributions by mentoring interns in the Project SEARCH program, providing guidance and encouragement to help them build confidence and succeed in their roles. Known for his infectious positivity, signature wish that everyone has a “spectacular day,” and remarkable ability to remember names and positions, Michael fosters a sense of connection and belonging throughout the hospital. His dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm exemplify the very best of volunteer service.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org