Brianna Wilson
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 11:21 am

Rutherford Regional Health System recently announced that Brandee Whitmire, CMA, has been recognized as the facility's 2026 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health's facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint's founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

"At Rutherford Regional, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier - and Brandee is a shining example of this day in and day out," said Sudandra Ratnasamy, CEO of Rutherford Regional. "We are so proud to recognize her many contributions to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community. I'm grateful for Brandee's positive influence and the example she sets for all of us."

As a Certified Medical Assistant at Rutherford Family Care, Brandee is known for the compassion and dedication she brings to every patient interaction. Her commitment to providing exceptional care has made a lasting impact on patients, families, and coworkers alike. Her colleagues describe her as someone who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel seen, heard, and cared for.

From her nomination: One of Brandee's patients from the clinic was later admitted to the Emergency Room following an appointment. Throughout the patient's hospitalization, Brandee checked in daily with both the patient and their spouse, offering encouragement and support during an incredibly difficult time. The spouse shared that Brandee's compassion and attentiveness made a lasting impact on their family, describing her as one of the greatest caregivers they had ever encountered. They said her cheerful voice on the other end of the phone gave them hope and reassurance that everything was going to be okay. This is just one of the many examples of the compassion, kindness, and dedication Brandee demonstrates each day in caring for her patients and supporting those around her.

Each facility winner, including Brandee, will be considered for Lifepoint's 2026 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in September.

Rutherford Regional Health System, part of Duke Lifepoint Healthcare, is a 143-bed acute care facility that offers a broad array of inpatient and outpatient care. Rutherford Regional is dedicated to providing patients with a wide range of services to meet their healthcare needs across more than 23 medical specialties. For more information or to connect with Rutherford Regional, visit MyRutherfordRegional.com