Priscilla Villalpando helped save her 101-year-old neighbor during a house fire, putting her Hoag training into action when it mattered most.
Every day, Hoag employees and physicians go above and beyond to care for others. Sometimes, that commitment extends far beyond the walls of Hoag.
The Heroes of Hoag Award, generously funded by the Kirwan Family Foundation, recognizes Hoag employees and physicians whose extraordinary acts of service demonstrate exceptional courage, kindness, or dedication. Recipients are honored throughout the year with the prestigious award and a cash prize.
Recent honorees have been recognized for acts ranging from helping a patient overcome financial barriers to care, to de-escalating a difficult situation with compassion.
One recent recipient, Priscilla Villalpando, a medical assistant with Hoag Medical Group Laguna Beach for seven years, exemplified what it means to go above and beyond when a neighbor needed help.
Priscilla was at her parents’ home when she noticed the smell of smoke. She saw smoke coming from the home of her 101-year-old neighbor, who lives alone. Without hesitation, Priscilla and her father rushed to the house. With the help of others, she located her neighbor and safely escorted her out of the home. Priscilla then went back inside to contain the flames with a fire extinguisher until the fire department arrived.
Priscilla credited Hoag’s annual fire safety training for preparing her to respond to the emergency and put her skills into action when it mattered most — demonstrating the courage and selflessness that the Heroes of Hoag Award was created to recognize. The Heroes of Hoag Award is one way Hoag, with the support of generous philanthropy, celebrates the people who make a profound difference.
