WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, June 11, 2026 – Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is proud to announce that Dr. Yaw Adjepong, nocturnist, has been honored with the 2026 Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) Healthcare Heroes Award for his contributions to his patients and colleages at Gaylord Hospital.
Those who work alongside Dr. Adjepong say the same thing: “We are incredibly lucky to have him.”
Nights in a medical rehabilitation hospital aren’t simple, say his peers. Patients are medically complex and things can change quickly. Resources are different than during the day. The physician on duty is responsible for the entire hospital. It takes a special kind of clinician to do that work well. Dr. Adjepong does it exceptionally well.
Colleagues say his clinical judgment is outstanding. He does not hesitate to come to the bedside, assess the situation himself, and partner with nursing to determine the best plan. When a patient needs to be transferred, he moves quickly, ensuring a full report is given and families are notified. When a patient can safely remain in-house, he stabilizes them with confidence and precision.
But what truly sets Dr. Adjepong apart, says Dr. Michael Ivy, Chief Medical Officer, is how he treats people.
“He respects nurses’ assessments and values their input. Even if he sees a situation differently, he never dismisses concerns or makes anyone feel foolish for calling him. He explains his reasoning and teaches, using every interaction to help nurses grow stronger and more confident in their practice without making anyone feel small,” he said.
“His incredible bedside manner immediately puts patients at ease. In tense or frightening moments, his calm presence reassures families and staff alike.”
Dr. Adjepong handles nights that include multiple admissions, emergency transfers, rapid responses, and even end-of-life care, with kindness. He is steady when things are chaotic, compassionate when families are grieving, and funny when the moment allows for it.
“Gaylord night staff feel fortunate, confident, and supported working alongside Dr. Adjepong and know that their patients are in excellent hands,” said Ivy.
About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to maximum recovery.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is anchored by Gaylord Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital, and includes Gaylord Outpatient Services and Gaylord Physical Therapy for patients who require diagnosis and treatment on an outpatient basis. Gaylord's Milne Institute for Healthcare Innovation is a hub for accelerating world-class rehabilitative research, technology development and innovation to improve the quality of life and function of people around the world. Together, these entities deliver a complete continuum of rehabilitative care driven by clinical experience, innovation and human compassion.
