Medstar Honors Stars of Life
Medstar joined EMS agencies from across the state to honor 67 EMS professionals who provide exceptional care and service to the communities they serve, as well as shine a light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.
Medstar’s Paramedic Heather McCann, EMT Pam Collins, EMT Michael Goutis and Paramedic Joyce Chavis were amongst those honored.
Heather McCann is Critical Care Paramedic in Medstar’s Genesee County operation with six years of experience. She has an unwavering commitment to compassionate, patient-focused care and is known for her consistency, dependability, and genuine interest in each patient’s story, family, and circumstances. She takes the time on every scene to ensure patients and their loved ones feel supported, going beyond clinical care to address emotional and practical needs. Heather often follows up at the hospital to confirm that her patients and families are receiving the best possible care. Her compassion has been recognized many times in patient satisfaction surveys, particularly for her kindness in difficult or unfortunate clinical situations. Heather’s dedication to caring for the whole person truly reflects the values of a Star of Life.
Pam Collins is an EMT at Medstar’s Genesee County operation where she is known for her compassion, adaptability, and dedication to patient-centered care. She is frequently recognized by patients, families, and clinical staff for the kindness and empathy she shows, especially when caring for patients in difficult situations or supporting families during challenging times. She is highly flexible in both her scheduling and deployment, always willing to adjust to meet the needs of the team. Pam readily steps up to assist with long-distance transports, ensuring patients can access advanced care or return to facilities closer to home with comfort and dignity. Her commitment to going the extra mile—both figuratively and literally—embodies the spirit of service that defines a Star of Life.
Michael Goutis has been with Medstar since 2019, showing exceptional dedication to patient care, team development, and safety. A veteran EMT, Michael serves as both an EMT and Field Training Officer, ensuring that new EMTs and Paramedics are well-prepared and grounded in compassionate care. He takes extra time to orient new team members, reinforcing the importance of empathy, professionalism, and patient safety in every interaction. Beyond his clinical duties, Michael readily accepts additional projects and contributes valuable insights to Medstar’s patient care and safety initiatives. His willingness to go above and beyond makes him a trusted leader and role model within the organization. Michael’s commitment to both his patients and his colleagues embodies the spirit and standards of a Star of Life.
Joyce Chavez is a Paramedic at Medstar with five years of experience. Her dedication, adaptability, and contributions to both patient care and organizational growth are unmatched. Known for her flexibility in scheduling, Joyce consistently adjusts to meet the needs of the team and ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care. She is an active member of Medstar’s special events team, representing the organization with professionalism and compassion in the community. Joyce also provides thoughtful and constructive feedback that helps shape Medstar’s growth strategies and enhance patient care programs. Her willingness to step in wherever needed and her commitment to continuous improvement make her a valued and respected member of the team. Her contributions reflect the professionalism, teamwork, and patient-first mindset that define a Star of Life.