Mercer County Medical Society names Lois Hogya Outstanding Woman in New Jersey Healthcare at inaugural awards ceremony
PRINCETON, NJ (November 17, 2008) – Princeton Insurance Vice President of Underwriting and Marketing/Communications Lois Hogya was one of three honored at the Mercer County Medical Society’s 1st Annual Outstanding Women in New Jersey Healthcare, which took place at the Jasna Polana Country Club.
Hogya, who began her career in the medical professional liability insurance field in 1979 as an underwriter, has worked at Princeton Insurance since 1987, and was lauded at the event for her positive attitude, patience and extensive knowledge of the industry.
“As soon as we began discussing possible candidates for a recipient from the business side of the industry, Lois’ name came up,” commented Mercer County Medical Society Executive Director, Linda McGhee. “She is one of the most hardworking women in the field and demonstrates excellence through leadership in all that she does.”
Maria Zamora, MBA, founder of the Medwin Group, a healthcare revenue cycle management and services company, introduced Hogya, highlighting some of her most notable accomplishments to date.
“Ms. Hogya is currently responsible for the ongoing evaluation of rate adequacy for various classes of business while managing an over $180 million book of professional liability business,” said Zamora. “Most recently, she has been credited for bringing a new direction to the marketing and communications departments, with a stronger focus on building relationships with physician insureds.
“Those at Princeton respect her most for her ability to lead not by instruction, but by example,” she said, adding that Princeton Insurance, Hogya’s employer, is highly regarded throughout the industry.
“It’s the leading medical malpractice carrier in the state, insuring more New Jersey physicians and hospitals than any other company, and has enjoyed the longest continuous presence in the New Jersey marketplace of any medical professional liability insurer,” said Zamora.
She had a personal story about her own experience with Hogya, and said she could confirm first-hand the industry-wide belief that Hogya always conducts business professionally but also with great compassion.
Proceeds from the event were donated to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) to help feed the homeless for Thanksgiving. Zamora told those in attendance that Hogya is a strong supporter of TASK.
“In addition to all of her accomplishments, Lois has not stopped devoting time to serving the community,” she said. “In fact, when we first informed Lois that the proceeds from this event were going to TASK, it hit close to home, as Lois has been a generous donor and volunteer to the important charity.”
Hogya said she was extremely humbled by the award but also proud, as she loves the work that she does and believes Princeton Insurance offers the healthcare providers of New Jersey an invaluable service.
“I love what I do for a living,” she said. “I get to talk with physicians regularly, and I have a deep appreciation for what they do. I may help them solve a problem, provide the right coverage to meet their needs or help them sort through the complexities of the malpractice insurance market, but when we hang up the phone, they go on to save lives and do amazing things. That’s why I will always be in awe of our policyholders – not only for their ability to handle the business side of healthcare but also for the dedication and compassion they show their patients every day.”
McGhee said she hopes this is the first of many events to come for the medical society honoring outstanding women in healthcare.
“Though this was the first awards dinner of its kind hosted by our county medical society, I have been privileged to know and work with so many wonderful and dedicated people in this profession. Having the opportunity to honor great accomplishments, particularly by these women, is a source of great pride,” remarked McGhee. “I hope this is the beginning of a long and great tradition for our county and for women in the healthcare field.”
Other honorees at the event included Assembly Majority Leader Bonne Watson Coleman, recipient of the Outstanding Leader in Healthcare Award and Dr. Susan N. McCoy, recipient of the Outstanding Physician Award.
Visit the Mercer County Medical Society website at http://www.mcmeds.org/.