Newborn Foundation Awards Gala honors global leaders in technology, public health and medicine
Dr. Terese Finitzo, clinical pediatric audiologist and CEO of OZ Systems, receives the Eve Award for Innovation in Newborn Health at the Newborn Foundation’s 2014 Awards Gala on Friday, October 10th in Minneapolis. The award recognizes the accomplishments of Dr. Finitzo during a lifetime of service, advocacy and innovation in improving the health outcomes of newborns and young patients.
Dr. Finitzo’s leadership has impacted more than seven million babies with state-of-the-art information management applications used in hundreds of hospitals across the globe, including such prestigious institutions as Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Dr. Finitzo is a clinical audiologist and subject matter expert in pediatric audiology, metabolic conditions, congenital heart disease, and health information technology. She attended Northwestern University and received a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences. Through her research and teaching, she’s been recognized as a leader in the early identification and rehabilitation of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and as a pioneer in the development of information technology to enable more timely and robust newborn hearing screening protocols and programs.
“Dr. Finitzo’s work has been truly outstanding. The Newborn Foundation and those we serve have benefited immensely from her wisdom and creative thinking over the years,” says Hubert H. “Buck” Humphrey IV, Newborn Foundation board member and Gala Host Committee Chair. “Dr. Finitzo has been a model, visionary leader with a focus on increasing the role of information technology, data and real-time communication in improving health outcomes. Her leadership and impact on millions of children cannot be overstated.”
In addition to recognizing the leaders and doers, the gala event includes guest appearances and performances by some of the youngest and strongest survivors of newborn health struggles, along with cameos by global public health leaders, clinicians, philanthropists and other high profile names – all driven to improve newborn outcomes in the U.S. and around the world. Proceeds from the event will support the continued efforts of the Newborn Foundation and Newborn Coalition to leverage technologies in improving early detection of health conditions and timely access to care for newborns.
About OZ Systems
OZ Systems develops and implements the world’s smartest information technology platforms – bridging crucial information gaps that support quality care and timely interventions for patients and those who care for them. Recognized for innovation in design and interoperability, OZ Systems has projects with healthcare providers and public health agencies in 10 states and six countries.
About the Newborn Foundation
The Newborn Foundation is an international nonprofit working specifically to leverage health IT and medical technologies to improve access and outcomes while reducing disparities for newborns. The organization has been integral in the policy development, adoption and implementation of technologies for early detection, intervention and care of the youngest patients, including the landmark addition of universal newborn screening with pulse oximetry for heart defects and other serious health conditions. Internationally, the Newborn Foundation is conducting vital newborn health projects in the UK, Morocco, the Philippines and rural China, impacting the hardest to reach and most underserved babies.