One Birthday Visit, Countless Acts of Kindness: Phoebe Medical Assistant Earns BEE Award
Monday, September 21st, 2026
Phoebe is proud to recognize Barbara Fowler as the recipient of the BEE Award, an honor presented to non-nursing team members who demonstrate exceptional compassion, service excellence, and commitment to patient care. Fowler is a medical assistant at the Phoebe Cancer Center. She earned the recognition following a heartfelt nomination from a family member who witnessed firsthand the extraordinary care she provided to the nominator's grandmother throughout her cancer journey.
In the nomination, Fowler was described as "the true meaning of healthcare," with the family sharing how her compassion and kindness became a source of comfort during a difficult and uncertain time.
"Barbara became so much more than someone in the office. She became a source of comfort, encouragement, and peace for my grandmother and our entire family. Even during the busiest and hardest days, she never made my grandmother feel like she was simply another appointment, diagnosis, or task to complete. She treated her with dignity, patience, and genuine love," the nominator said.
The nomination highlighted Fowler's ability to make patients feel seen and valued through thoughtful acts of kindness. One example that stood out to the family was Fowler's remembrance of the patient's favorite drink.
"She remembered that my grandmother loved cranberry juice and always made sure she had it ready for her. While that may seem like a small gesture, to someone walking through cancer treatment, it meant everything. It was a reminder that Barbara knew her, listened to her, and cared about bringing her comfort in any way she could," said the nominator.
Fowler's impact extended beyond the walls of the cancer center. After the patient's condition progressed and she entered hospice care in the Atlanta area, Fowler continued to support the family.
On her day off, Folwer made a five-hour round trip drive to visit her former patient on her birthday, bringing a birthday card and balloon to celebrate, and she offer encouragement during a challenging time.
"She did not make that drive because she had to. She did it because that is who she is," said the nominator.
The family said Fowler's actions demonstrated that exceptional healthcare is about much more than treatments and procedures.
"Watching her care for my grandmother reminded our family what extraordinary patient care truly looks like. It is remembering someone's favorite drink. It is making a long drive on your day off just to bring a smile. It is making a person feel valued, comforted, and loved during some of the hardest days of their life. It is creating a caring environment where patients feel what it really means to be part of the Phoebe Family," said the nominator.
According to the nomination, Fowler's influence left a lasting impression on the family.
"She may have started as my grandmother's care provider, but she also became her friend and her angel. She has given our family a beautiful example of the impact one compassionate person can have. The kindness she has shown us will stay with us forever. She is the type of healthcare provider every family prays their loved one will have, and she is incredibly deserving of the BEE Award," said the nominator.
Lori Nurmi, Director of Oncology Service Line at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, said Fowler exemplifies the organization's mission of putting patients and families first.
"Exceptional care is measured not only by medical expertise, but by the moments that make patients feel valued, heard, and loved. Barbara consistently goes beyond expectations to create those moments. Her commitment to supporting patients and families through some of life's most difficult challenges embodies the values of the Phoebe Family and makes her tremendously deserving of this recognition," said Nurmi.
The BEE Award recognizes non-nursing team members who go Beyond Exceptional Expectations in supporting patients, families, and colleagues. Fowler's extraordinary commitment to compassionate care makes her a shining example of the values that define the Phoebe Family.
