Sharon Halvorsen receives UArizona Award for Excellence

Sharon Halvorsen, a senior clinical coordinator in the Division of Infectious Diseases at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Medicine, received a University of Arizona Award for Excellence from the Employee Recognition Committee.

“It has been truly humbling and an honor to be nominated and receive the Award for Excellence,” said Halvorsen. “It feels great to be recognized by my leaders and peers for the work I do and the impact I make on my patients’ lives.”

Halvorsen has worked in the Petersen HIV Clinics since July 2021. Her role is to assist patients in coordination of medical care and give psychosocial support and resources. “I love helping people and making sure they have resources to live happy, healthy lives,” she said.

Halvorsen was nominated for the award by her Petersen HIV Clinic colleagues Danielle deMontigny Avila, MD, a clinical assistant professor of medicine; Sascha E. Bianchi, a program manager of clinical operations and the PrEP/PEP Program; and Kristen E. Ellis, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVP, a clinical pharmacist in the College of Medicine – Tucson and a clinical instructor in the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy.

“Sharon is an integral part of our HIV clinic,” said Dr. Avila, who is also a principal investigator at the Petersen HIV Clinics. “She is a resource for patients who have traditionally been underreached and neglected by medical systems and provides non-judgmental, compassionate assistance to them. She has routinely gone above and beyond the usual call of duty when critical patient situations arise, and her impact has been immense.”

Bianchi praised Halvorsen’s empathetic, patient-centered approach to helping those who visit the clinic. “This is what makes her stand apart,” she said.

With two locations in Tucson, the Petersen HIV Clinics provide treatment and prevention services to over 1,000 patients. The clinics are part of the Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases and collaborates with the Banner Health Network to provide clinical care for people with or at risk for HIV.

“Sharon is a thoughtful, tireless patient advocate,” said Dr. Ellis. “She draws upon her experience to suggest meaningful and effective improvements to our processes. Sharon will make a special effort to help anyone at any time – without any expectation of recognition.”

UArizona Awards for Excellence are given to individual staff members for achievements in activities that go beyond normal duties. Halvorsen was one of seven recipients of the award.