North Memorial Health has been recognized by the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) with two distinguished awards that highlight the organization’s leadership in both clinical innovation and healthcare advocacy.
Spirit of Advocacy Award
Chief Executive Officer Trevor Sawallish received the 2025 Spirit of Advocacy award for his impactful leadership in healthcare policy. Trevor played a key role in passing a statewide Directed Payment Program through the state legislature, expected to unlock critical federal funds – though its future remains uncertain under the current federal administration.
Trevor’s strategic collaboration with the Minnesota Hospital Association, key legislators, and stakeholders laid the foundation for this achievement and will continue to shape future policy conversations at both the state and federal levels.
Innovation in Patient Care Award
North Memorial Health earned the 2025 Innovation in Patient Care award for its Lung Nodule/Screening Program—a multidisciplinary initiative that is transforming lung cancer outcomes through early detection, minimally invasive procedures, and coordinated care pathways.
The program brings together experts from IT, Population Health, Thoracic Surgery, Interventional Pulmonology, and Primary Care to deliver a seamless, patient-centered experience. By integrating advanced technology and collaborative expertise, North is setting a new standard for lung cancer care.
“This award is deeply meaningful to all of us at North Memorial Health,” said Dr. Carolyn Ogland, Chief Medical Officer. “It reflects the compassion, innovation, and relentless dedication our teams bring to every patient, every day. Lung cancer is a devastating disease, and our Lung Nodule/Screening Program is helping change that story—giving patients hope through earlier detection and more personalized care. I’m incredibly proud of the people behind this work and grateful for the recognition from the Minnesota Hospital Association.”
About North Memorial Health
North Memorial Health delivers unmatched patient experience and empowers its patients to achieve their best health. With specialty and primary care clinics, urgent and emergency care offerings, medical transportation services and two hospitals in Maple Grove and Robbinsdale, North Memorial Health provides access to high-quality, low-cost care in the Twin Cities, across the broader state of Minnesota and surrounding states. The North Memorial Health system includes 900+ doctors and 6,000+ team members who are dedicated to delivering a more connected experience for our patients.