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HHC Names First Dr. T. Stewart Hamilton Award Winner
May 20, 2026
Hartford HealthCare awarded the inaugural Dr. T. Stewart Hamilton Physician Award to Allyson Oshiro, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist with the Behavioral Health Network’s Natchaug Hospital, during the system’s annual medical staff retreat.
Dr. Oshiro was selected from 75 physicians from across the system nominated for the award, which recognizes physicians who exemplify compassion, clinical excellence and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.
Under the leadership of HHC Chief People Officer Rose Sheehan, five Every Moment Matters Awards (EMAs) were created to recognize moments and actions that bring the system’s values to life. The Hamilton Award is the first to be presented.
“Dr. Oshiro represents the compassionate, patient-focused practice of medicine that Dr. Hamilton espoused through his long and impactful career,” said Jeffrey Cohen, MD, HHC chief clinical operating officer.
In presenting the award, Dr. Cohen shared excerpts of Dr. Oshiro’s nomination, reading, “(She) repeatedly shows up with intentional presence, deep empathy and steady professionalism during moments that matter most…. taking the time to understand not only symptoms but the human story behind them, and to respond with patience clarity and compassion.”
Dr. Oshiro, he continued, “preserves dignity by communicating openly and respectfully in even the most difficult circumstances…(for) interactions that strengthen emotional safety and foster meaningful human connection.”
Ajay Kumar, MD, HHC chief clinical officer, said the choice of Dr. Oshiro “exemplifies our entire approach to patient-centered care, lending compassion and clinical excellence to each interaction.
“Compassion is part of our DNA at Hartford HealthCare and the Hamilton Award – and all the EMAs – are a chance to recognize outstanding moments of tremendous caring,” Dr. Kumar added.
Drs. Cohen and Kumar were joined by HHC President and CEO Jeffrey Flaks in presenting the award to Dr. Oshiro. It honors the legacy of T. Stewart Hamilton, MD, who served as president of Hartford Hospital from 1954 to 1976, and helped shape modern hospital safety and patient care standards.
After the 1961 Hartford Hospital fire, Dr. Hamilton collaborated with hospital leaders and fire safety experts nationwide to strengthen hospital safety protocols. He played an instrumental role in the development of Medicare and Medicaid, testifying before Congress as president of the American Hospital Association (AHA) to help ensure passage of the legislation. The nation’s first Medicare reimbursement check was issued to Hartford Hospital in 1966. In 1970, he earned the AHA’s Distinguished Service Award.