A Victor resident earned special recognition after stepping up for a patient during one of the hardest moments imaginable.
Alexis Cohen, a patient care technician at UR Medicine Thompson Health, recently received the organization’s BEE Award for exceptional compassion and support.
Cohen works in Thompson’s OB/GYN practice at the Canandaigua Medical Group on Parrish Street. Health system leaders surprised her with the award on Jan. 26 at the office.
She received the honor for her actions while working in the hospital late last year. Cohen was part of a neonatal team that attempted to save an infant who ultimately could not be resuscitated.
Nominated by Inpatient OB Director of Nursing KyShara Penns, Cohen provided critical emotional support to the infant’s mother during the emergency. Penns said when she and a neonatal nurse practitioner entered the room, Cohen was already there, holding the woman.
“This patient had no family nearby, and her significant other was working several states away. In the absence of that support, Alexis provided the comfort and presence the patient so desperately needed,” Penns said.
Penns said Cohen continued checking on the patient throughout the day and also supported her coworkers.
“She reminded us how calmly and gracefully we had handled the emergency and how much she admired the team,” Penns said. “On one of the hardest days imaginable, Alexis embodied what it means to care for patients and colleagues alike.”
The BEE Award stands for Being Exceptional Every day. Thompson Health created the award in 2025 to recognize non-licensed nursing support team members.
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