A physician from each of John C. Lincoln's two hospital medical staffs and one from the Network's physician medical practices have been named the Network’s three "Physicians of the Year" for 2009.
They are John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital Emergency Department physician Jonathan Maitem, DO; John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital orthopaedic surgeon John Soscia, MD; and family physician Gary Rada, MD, from Saguaro Family Practice, representing the John C. Lincoln’s Physician Network Development medical practices.
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| Jonathan Maitem, DO |
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John Soscia, MD |
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Gary Rada, MD |
The Physicians of the Year were chosen because they represent the Network's best in:
- Professional competence;
- Collaborative relationship with other physicians and hospital co-workers;
- Caring attitude toward patients, families and co-workers; and
- Honesty and ethical behavior which fosters respect, loyalty and compassion.
Finalists from John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital were cardiologist Amar Singh, MD; who was a finalist in 2007 and 2008, and gastroenterologist Joseph Fares, MD.
Finalists from John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital were hospitalists Ameen Elgash, MD, and Aashish Sagar, MD.
Finalists from the PND were family physician Jackie Doris, MD, from Arcadia Family Practice, and emergency physician Jerry Fioramonti, MD, from John C. Lincoln Urgent Care at Anthem. Both 2009 PND finalists were also finalists in 2008.
The Deer Valley Emergency Department staff collectively nominated Dr. Maitem, who was a finalist in 2008, with the following comments:
"The department may be bustling, but when Dr. Maitem enters a room, that fades and he diligently listens and responds to the patient's concerns. He takes time to establish a relationship and always explains what he is looking for and the procedures he is ordering. As the ED’s 'bug specialist,' Dr. Maitem can expound on all insect and reptile bites and their treatment, a wealth of knowledge he willingly shares with patients and staff. He is an outstanding physician who never seems overwhelmed and consistently cares for his patients with compassion, respect, and expertise."
At North Mountain, "Dr. Soscia is a wonderful teacher, whether for a nurse, a tech or a new PA," wrote one nominator. "He is always learning and passing on information. He is as warm to patients and families as he is to staff and peers. He is also incredibly loyal to staff in our department and elsewhere. He is open to our suggestions, he is honest and certainly fosters respect and loyalty with those who work with him."
Dr. Rada's nomination said he "inspires confidence in his patients, many of whom have been seeing him for 20-30 years and will see no other provider. Dr. Rada has what most people seek in a doctor but is increasingly hard to find: compassion and dedication. It does not matter what insurance the patient has (if any!) or the time of day, very early or very late. If Dr. Rada is in the building, he is available to anyone who needs him. Dr. Rada epitomizes the physicians of bygone eras and gives those of modern times a model to aspire to."
The Physician of the Year trophies are presented annually by John C. Lincoln Health Network in conjunction with National Doctors' Day, March 30. Actual ceremonies were held:
- North Mountain – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, in the hospital lobby.
- Deer Valley – 12:30 p.m Monday, March 30, in the hospital cafeteria.
- Physician Network Development – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, in the lobby of Saguaro Family Practice in the John C. Lincoln Health Center on Tatum.
Lighted panel displays in the lobby of each John C. Lincoln Hospital will feature color photographs of the Physician of the Year and runners-up. |