PUTNAM — Dr. Erica Kesselman, gynecologist with Day Kimball Medical Group, was one of just 10 healthcare professionals across Connecticut awarded a 2015 Healthcare Heroes Award from the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA). 

For more than a decade, Dr. Erica Kesselman has cared for women from across northeastern Connecticut. She joined Day Kimball Hospital in 2002, as the hospital was working to grow its OB/GYN practice to expand the birthing center’s capacity and prepare for the future. Her advocacy for women’s health and family wellness, combined with her dynamic personality, has captured the attention of DKH administration, her colleagues, and the northeastern Connecticut community ever since.

In November, 2014 Dr. Kesselman was appointed a member of the State Advisory Council on Children and Families. The council consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor. As a member of the council Dr. Kesselman is tasked with reviewing policies and recommending programs, legislation or other matters that will improve services for children, youth and families. The Council also reviews and advises the Department of Children and Families Commissioner on the proposed agency budget and performs public outreach to educate the community regarding polices, duties and programs of the Department.

In her role as Forensic Medical Examiner in the Emergency Department at Day Kimball Hospital, Dr. Kesselman works with children, families, community members and other judiciary and state services to identify risk factors and evidence for suspected cases of child sexual abuse.

She is also a certified facilitator of the Stewards of Children: Darkness to Light program, which teaches community members how to prevent and recognize child sexual abuse and empowers them to react responsibly when abuse is suspected. Through training provided by Dr. Kesselman and other staff, more than 400 DKH employees have been trained in the program in less than one year, as well as another 100+ community members. Ultimately, the goal is for all 1400 DKH employees to trained in the program by 2017.

Dr. Kesselman is also a founding member of the advisory council of the Northeast Connecticut Women & Girls Fund, a member of the Board of Directors of TEEG and a member of NEST (Northeast Connecticut Support Team), a community collaborative to support health and safety for children and families.