Honoring Excellence in Our NICU: The First OPTimum Award — HeART of the NICU

At West Jefferson Medical Center, our NICU is more than a place of care—it is a community grounded in compassion, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to giving every newborn the strongest possible start. For more than two decades, these values were embodied by Olivier P. Thélin, MD, a beloved neonatologist whose legacy continues to define the heart of our NICU. 

This year, we were proud to introduce a new tradition in his honor: the OPTimum Award — HeART of the NICU. Created to recognize individuals who reflect Dr. Thélin’s spirit through exceptional care, collaboration, and dedication, the award celebrates those who truly make a difference for our smallest patients and their families. 

On March 6, 2026, we were honored to welcome family and friends of Dr. Thélin as we presented this award for the very first time—an especially meaningful moment for all who knew and loved him. Together, we celebrated the inaugural recipient, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Yakelis Anzola, whose work exemplifies the very best of our NICU community. 

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Olivier P. Thélin 

Dr. Thélin served West Jefferson Medical Center for more than 20 years, caring for infants and families with extraordinary skill, compassion, and humanity. He was known not only for his clinical excellence, but for his calming presence, kindness, and remarkable ability to uplift colleagues, patients, and families alike. 

Beyond medicine, art played an important role in Dr. Thélin’s life. His creativity brought warmth, joy, and connection into everything he did, reminding us that healing is as much an art as it is a science. His influence continues to inspire our NICU team each day—through the care we provide and the way we care for one another. 

The OPTimum Award was created to honor individuals who embody these same qualities: compassion, teamwork, excellence in care, and a deep commitment to families. 

About the OPTimum Award — HeART of the NICU 

The OPTimum Award is open to all members of the NICU team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, lactation consultants, environmental services staff, and others who support our babies and families. 

Each year, colleagues are invited to nominate individuals who reflect the values Dr. Thélin championed—ensuring that his legacy, and the heart of our NICU, continues to live on. 

Congratulations to Our First Recipient: Yakelis Anzola, NNP 

We were proud to recognize Yakelis Anzola, NNP, as the first-ever recipient of the OPTimum Award — HeART of the NICU. Colleagues describe Yakelis as a compassionate leader, a trusted collaborator, and a passionate advocate for her patients and their families. 

Her clinical expertise, steady presence, and genuine care make her an invaluable part of our NICU community and a fitting first honoree of an award rooted in Dr. Thélin’s legacy. 

To learn more about the West Jefferson Medical Center Family Birth Place, visit: 
https://www.lcmchealth.org/west-jefferson-medical-center/our-services/the-family-birth-place/.