Samaritan Announces ELM Award Recipient for Third Quarter of 2026
Published on: October 26, 2026
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to present the quarterly ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, recognizing outstanding leadership across the organization. The third recipient of 2026, and the fifth overall honoree since the award’s inception, is Diane Loftus, Director of Pharmacy.
A Samaritan employee since 2021, Loftus was nominated by several colleagues who praised her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to her employees, the organization and the community. They noted her success in strengthening the pharmacy team through engagement, collaboration and accountability, while leading significant initiatives such as the launch of Samaritan CareRx, the organization’s specialty pharmacy, and the hospital-wide Omnicell medication management system implementation. Colleagues also highlighted her commitment to community outreach through programs such as Scrubs Club, where she helps educate and inspire local students. Together, these efforts reflect Samaritan’s HEART values and make her a deserving recipient of the ELM Award.
Loftus was presented with the ELM Award on October 8 and celebrated by her coworkers and family.
The ELM Award honors Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values: honesty, empathy, accountability, respect and trust. Unlike the DAISY, BEE and OWL awards, which recognize employees in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support exceptional care through their leadership.
These individuals foster safe and supportive work environments, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly and cultivate teamwork, resilience and recognition. They create cultures where compassion thrives, enabling staff to provide patients, residents and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff and peers, recipients must have at least one year of service with Samaritan and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration and commitment to continuous learning. The ELM Award is presented quarterly.
###
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services—such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services—Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.