Penn Highlands DuBois Receives Prestigious Department of Defense Awards
On January 21, 2025, Susan Robertson, Pennsylvania ESGR Vice-Chair/Assistant Ombudsman Director, presented the U.S. Department of Defense Patriotic Employer Award to Philip Vuocolo, MD, MHS, FACS; and the Seven Seals Award to Penn Highlands DuBois.
Patriotic Employer Award
Dr. Vuocolo, who is a board-certified acute care and trauma surgeon at Penn Highlands Trauma Services, Trauma Medical Director for Penn Highlands DuBois, and Chief Medical Officer for Penn Highlands Northwest Region, received the Patriotic Employer Award "for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force."
Dr. Vuocolo is a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served as a Lieutenant Commander aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort during the Persian Gulf War. He also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard as the Squadron Fight Surgeon in the 174th Fighter Wing.
“I am very humbled by this award,” said Dr. Vuocolo. “It is my honor to support the men and women who serve or have served our country through their military service. It is a privilege to work with them at Penn Highlands Healthcare. They are role models for our entire staff and the community we serve.”
Seven Seals Award
Penn Highlands DuBois is being honored with the Seven Seals Award "for meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serve America in the National Guard and Reserve Force."
In accepting the award, Will Chinn, President of Penn Highlands Clearfield and Penn Highlands DuBois, said, “I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to our veterans and those who currently serve in the reserves for their sacrifices. Their unwavering dedication and support to uphold our freedoms is an inspiration to all of us.”
Dr. Vuocolo and Penn Highlands DuBois were nominated for the awards by Michelle Mouria, MD, FACS, a board-certified acute-care and trauma surgeon with Penn Highlands Trauma Services. Dr. Mouria is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps.
Following the Department of Defense Awards Ceremony at Penn Highlands DuBois, honorees are shown with their awards. Pictured (l. to r.) are Philip Vuocolo, MD, MHS, FACS, who received the Patriotic Employer Award; Susan Robertson, Pennsylvania ESGR Vice-Chair/Assistant Ombudsman Director; Will Chinn, President of Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Clearfield, who accepted the Seven Seals Award on behalf of Penn Highlands DuBois; and Michelle Mouria, MD, FACS, a board-certified acute-care and trauma surgeon with Penn Highlands Trauma Services, who nominated Dr. Vuocolo and Penn Highlands DuBois for the awards.