At Beekley Medical, we created the Empower Award to shine a light on individuals whose impact in breast imaging extends far beyond clinical skill, those who embody compassion, dedication, and a tireless pursuit of excellence. This year, we are proud to recognize a physician whose career has elevated patient care and inspired an entire team.
Meet Dr. Dennis Myers of Hancock Health
We are thrilled to announce Dr. Dennis Myers as the recipient of the 2025 Empower Award for Mammography!
A cornerstone of the Mammography Department at Hancock Health for over two decades, Dr. Myers is known not just for his clinical expertise, but for the profound compassion and commitment he brings to his work every single day. As the lead mammography radiologist, he arrives early, stays late, and reads as many films as humanly possible, all to ensure that women receive timely, accurate answers at a moment when they need clarity most.
One nominator stated, “He says ‘yes’ to add-ons, even when we don’t have time. He answers my questions, tolerates my mistakes, and graciously puts the needs of others first.”
A Leader in Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Myers' influence stretches beyond the reading room. He plays a central role in Hancock’s Women’s Center, guiding patients through diagnostic workups and biopsies with both clarity and compassion. His nomination read, “He shows so much compassion for patients and is very patient with our many questions. I always know I can go to him; he will make time for me.”
Whether he's breaking difficult news with empathy or patiently answering a technologist’s question during a hectic day, Dr. Myers fosters trust and learning across his department. His name is frequently requested by patients, an honor earned through years of care delivered with gentleness and integrity.
At the award ceremony, Lisa Wood, Diagnostic Imaging Services Director, explained: “Dr. Myers is a brilliant radiologist, whether he’s sitting in the dark in the reading room, or whether he’s at a patient’s side performing a biopsy. We know he is going to catch all the pathology and do what is best for our patients.”
Driving Process Improvement & Community Support
In addition to his clinical excellence, Dr. Myers is a driving force behind key improvements at Hancock Health. In 2019, he helped lead an initiative that reduced the average time between screening mammograms and diagnostic follow-ups from 11 days to just 3, dramatically improving the patient experience. Today, that turnaround time is as fast as 24–48 hours.
His nominator wrote, “Dr. Myers knows how much anxiety surrounds mammograms and works diligently to provide answers quickly. Many of our patients are in awe that their results come within a few hours of their exam!”
Dr. Myers is a dedicated supporter of Women Helping Women, Hancock’s initiative to support care for uninsured and underinsured women. From donating concert and sports tickets for raffles, to catering lunches and offering generous financial gifts, Dr. Myers uplifts both patients and staff alike.
Why the Empower Award Matters
Each year, the Empower Award highlights individuals who bring heart to healthcare. Dr. Myers’ story, told through the words of his team, is one of steadfast service, quiet leadership, and unwavering care. He is everything the Empower Award was meant to recognize.
After being presented with the award and speaking about those unexpected biopsies or add-on cases, Dr. Myers said: “You know the right thing to do is add it on. You come in, work hard, treat people the way you want your family to be treated, and you know you’re doing the right thing if you do that..… Thank you to the hospital for putting trust in us to do it all, and for the whole Diagnostic Imaging team for working together, and thanks to my family for understanding that the job doesn’t end at 4:30 every day….the job’s over when you’ve taken care of the patients. So it’s nice to be honored – thank you!”
Colleen O'Flaherty
Product Manager - Mammography and Breast Biopsy
