The HEALTHCARE DESIGN.10 conference held Nov. 13-16 in Las Vegas was a perfect example of a must-attend event in an otherwise economically trying period. Approximately 3,700 colleagues attended, taking part in exceptional educational programming, inspiring keynote addresses, lively discussions, an informative trade show, great food, and entertainment-all of a high caliber. The conference has earned a place of importance for all who are engaged in healthcare design. It was truly a winning experience without the need to gamble.

The Center for Health Design prides itself on launching innovation off of a growing baseline of research. To a degree, it is all about change-changing the way healthcare facilities are designed, built, and operated so they are safer and less stressful for both patients and staff. By encouraging others to incorporate an evidence-based design process into their building projects and, along the way, question the status quo, transformation is indeed happening.

We want to recognize individuals and organizations that embody our ideals and are helping to change how healthcare facilities are designed and built. This is the purpose of The Center’s annual Changemaker Award.

In the spring, we solicit and accept nominations for the award and the final decision is made by The Center’s board at our summer meeting. In 2009, the winner was Eileen Malone, who was recognized for her tireless advocacy for the idea of using an evidence-based design process within the multibillion-dollar modernization of military health facilities.

At the HCD.10 conference, it was my great pleasure to announce Cheryl Herbert as the recipient of our 2010 Changemaker Award.

Cheryl began her healthcare career as a nurse at St. Ann’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She then moved into nursing management and rose through the ranks to hold top positions at MedCenter Hospital and Marion General Hospital in Marion, Ohio; and Morrow County Hospital in Mt. Gilead, Ohio.

The multimillion-dollar construction projects Cheryl oversaw at Marion General and Morrow County hospitals prepared her well for her next role-to oversee the development of OhioHealth’s new hospital in Dublin, Ohio. Dublin Methodist Hospital, as many of you know, opened two years ago and is really one of the first hospitals in the country to truly be built using an evidence-based design process. I know because I was on the project team. But it was Cheryl’s vision-her tenacity and her willingness to “push the envelope”-that made this special project happen.

At one point, she instructed our team to “run until apprehended.” And we did. Since Dublin opened, Cheryl has been selfless in her willingness to share the successes she has achieved with Dublin and the value of using an evidence-based design process. She conducts tours, speaks at conferences, and makes herself available to others seeking knowledge and information.

Those of us who have worked with Cheryl find it remarkable that she is able to gracefully combine so many things: openness and the ability to listen with decisiveness; willingness to embrace new ideas with patience and a long-term view; interest in the newest technology and in the basics of care culture; even confidence mixed with shyness. Do you know many careful, evidence-based nurses who ride motorcycles?

Cheryl personally is like Dublin as a hospital: While each aspect is impressive, the whole system is truly world-class. She has made a difference in our industry. Congratulations to Cheryl and all past recipients of The Center for Health Design’s Changemaker Award.

Mark your calendars for HEALTHCARE DESIGN.11, November 13-16, 2011, in Nashville, Tennessee. I hope you will join me in participating in another great conference experience. HCD

Rosalyn Cama, FASID, EDAC, is Board Chair for The Center for Health Design located in Concord, California. For more information, please visit www.healthdesign.org. For more information on HEALTHCARE DESIGN.11, please visit www.hcd11.com. Healthcare Design 2011 January;11(1):12