Amy Gourley Receives Bridge Award

On November 10, Amy Gourley, infusion supervisor at Highlands Oncology, received the Heartland Whole Health Institute Bridge Award. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovation, and excellence in advancing the quality of health care for individuals and communities. Each Bridge Award recipient will receive $1,000 and an invitation to an annual event with the Institute’s founder, Alice Walton, to discuss Arkansas’s health care needs and shape the award’s future.

With more than two decades of experience as a patient-facing nurse in oncology, Amy has long been a source of comfort and strength for patients navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her recent transition into a leadership role at the Fayetteville infusion center has revealed an even deeper layer of her commitment to better health—not just for patients, but for the health care workforce and the broader community.

Outside of work, Gourley also volunteers at a clinic that provides a safe space and support services for children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, is involved in the Miss Arkansas organization, and is the founder of the Isaiah Torres Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in honor of a young boy whose life was tragically cut short due to abuse.Amy’s story is one of quiet heroism.

Amy doesn’t seek recognition; she seeks results. Whether she’s comforting a patient, mentoring a nurse, or advocating for
vulnerable children, Amy leads with heart. Her actions consistently go above and beyond expectations, and her ability to inspire trust and healing makes her a treasured member of the Arkansas health care workforce.

In a field where burnout is common and compassion can be stretched thin, Amy Gourley is a reminder of what health care is truly about: human connection, unwavering support, and the courage to lead with love. Her journey from bedside nurse to trusted leader and community advocate is a testament to the power of purpose-driven work. Amy doesn’t just bridge the gap to better health—she builds the bridge, walks it with others, and lights the way forward.

-Lauren Hughes, Director of Infusion Services, Highlands Oncology