MRH Celebrates Local Healthcare Professionals at 54th Annual Montrose Fall Clinics

Four individuals were awarded for their outstanding care and contributions to regional health

MONTROSE, Colo. (October 8, 2025) – Montrose Regional Health and the local medical community recently participated in the 54th annual Montrose Fall Clinics, where awards were presented to four outstanding individuals for their contributions to local healthcare: the Physician of the Year Award, the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year Award, the Nurse of the Year Award, and the Community Member of the Year Award. The Montrose Fall Clinics is the longest running medical education conference in the state of Colorado, providing learning, networking, and collaborative opportunities to providers across the West Slope.

The Physician of the Year Award was presented to David Lee, M.D., a long-time and respected cardiologist in the Montrose region. The award was presented by Michael Brezinsky, M.D., director of continuing medical education at Montrose Regional Health. “Beyond his impressive credentials, it is [Dr. Lee’s] humility, kindness and unwavering dedication to patients and colleagues that truly set him apart,” Brezinsky said. “In his 11 years of service, he has transformed the quality of cardiology care at Montrose Regional Health and worked to expand our outreach to neighboring communities.”

The Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Award went to Che Pimentel, a certified nurse practitioner at the MRH Cardiology Clinic. Dr. Brezinsky, who also presented this award, said: “She is kind and compassionate and is also a tremendous provider. She is loved by patients, practices state-of-the-art medicine, and is a tremendous team player. There is nobody more deserving of this recognition than Che Pimentel.”

The Nurse of the Year Award, which is new to the Montrose Fall Clinics, was presented to Sherry Meaker, ICU nurse, ICU nurse manager and, most recently, staff educator. Meaker has served at Montrose Regional Health for more than 17 years. CoralAnn Hackett, chief nursing officer at Montrose Regional Health, presented the award. “Sherry is an intelligent and driven individual whose sole purpose has been the comfort and success of those around her,” Hackett said. “[She] is intuitive, kind, calming and relevant to whatever the situation demands.”

Finally, the Community Member of the Year Award went to Phoebe Benziger. Mindy Miller, M.D., a family physician in the Montrose region, presented the award. “This remarkable individual has shown a tireless, decades-long commitment to serving Montrose and has made a truly lasting impact,” Miller said. “Those of us fortunate enough to know [her] have been blessed by her presence.”

The Fall Clinics event is held each September at the Montrose Pavilion. For more information, contact DeVerna Rogers at [email protected] or visit the Fall Clinics website at https://montrosehealth.com/for-providers/fall-clinics/.