Abbott, Hernandez Receive Patient Safety Awards

Maura Abbott, PhD, and Diana Hernandez have been honored by ColumbiaDoctors’ Patient Safety Team for their commitment to improving patient care and fostering a just culture. 

Abbott, the associate dean of clinical affairs at Columbia Nursing, received the ColumbiaDoctors Leadership/Stewardship award, and Hernandez, senior practice manager at the Nurse Practitioner Group, received the ColumbiaDoctors Rising Star/Unsung Hero award. The awards were presented April 24 by ColumbiaDoctors’ Chief Executive Officer James McKiernan, MD, and Chief Medical Officer Derek Mazique, MD. 

Abbott serves on the Board of Governance of ColumbiaDoctors and coordinates the oncology subspecialty in Columbia Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.  

Hernandez has had a long and impressive career at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (Columbia University Irving Medical Center), with experience and expertise in managing both specialty and primary care practices.  

“Receiving the ColumbiaDoctors Rising Star/Unsung Hero Award for 2025 is an incredible honor that fills me with pride and gratitude,” Hernandez says. “Being recognized by my clinical lead, Jane Chaiyasit, DNP, for my work is a testament to the dedication and passion I bring to my role every day. This award is not just a personal achievement, but a reminder of the impact we can make when we work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our patients and colleagues.” 

Awardees are nominated by quality and patient safety providers and peers who have witnessed their outstanding leadership contributions to improving patient care and supporting colleagues. Both Abbott and Hernandez serve on the ColumbiaDoctors Outreach team, which promotes well-being and access to primary care in the community and will soon launch its fourth season of tabling at the CUIMC Haven Farmers Market.