Dr. Gail Cooney

Medical director, Hospice of Palm Beach County

Why: Dr. Cooney, president-elect of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, has played a key role in developing care programs for county residents with advanced illnesses. In 1997, when Cooney became its medical director, Hospice of Palm Beach County's five physicians helped about 200 patients a day. Now, more than 30 doctors provide care to 1,000 patients each day, in the patients' home, a hospital or inpatient unit. Dr. Cooney is a member of the Palm Beach County Medical Society and the Area Agency on Aging.

Dr. Michael Dennis

Chairman of the Medical Care Commission, reconstructive surgeon,

surgical instrument company president

Why: As head of the Medical Care Commission, Dr. Dennis has made nearly a full-time job of the post, bringing hospital CEOs, doctors, legislators and others to Palm Beach to find ways to improve local health care for Palm Beach residents and others. He spearheaded the effort to poll residents on heath-care issues and oversaw the publication of a health-care guide that was distributed to all Palm Beach residents. Dr. Dennis has traveled to six continents to provide pro bono surgery to impoverished children with birth defects.

Judy Goodman

Public policy specialist

Why: As a consultant to Good Samaritan Medical Center, Goodman helps communicate the expectations Palm Beach has for the hospital it supported for decades. She works to counter misconceptions about Good Samaritan, while also passing along residents' concerns to the medical center's administration. One outcome: Good Samaritan plans to seek approval from the state and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations to perform emergency angioplasty this fall. She is a member of the board of directors of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and a supporter of the Kravis Center.