Congratulations to HMFP’s 2025 outstanding physician colleagues!
Congratulations to all 40 nominees and six recipient physicians of the 2025 second annual Outstanding Physician Colleague Award. All were nominated by their peers, and the award recognizes the deeply valued efforts of HMFP and APHMFP physicians who have gone above and beyond in support of a colleague to offer guidance, encouragement, or assistance, during a time of personal or professional need.
Recipients
Nominees
Anesthesia
Vimal K. Akhouri, MD: He uplifts everyone, is very experienced, a great teacher, kind and humble, and has a way to creative problem solving that’s next level.
Maria C. Borrelli, DO: She is compassionate, highly skilled, and incredibly caring. She will always go the extra mile for her patients without giving it a second thought.
Jonathan S. Erdman, MD: He really cares about his patients and puts patient safety and excellent care as his priorities.
Neil W. Oliwa, MD: Neil is a very hard worker and goes out of his way to help his colleagues and is also a very good teacher with new staff and students.
Ameeka Pannu, MD: Dr. Pannu is a positive force for our department and the institution. She advocates fiercely for both her patients and her colleagues.
Samir K. Patel, MD, FCCP, FASA: Dr. Patel goes above and beyond for both his staff and patients. His likable and approachable personality has brought warmth and collegiality to our department.
Lindsay A. Rubenstein, MD: She is always available with advice and a kind word. To me she embodies collegiality, kindness, and good spirit.
Jason S. Wakakuwa: I have been impressed with Jason’s composure in the face of difficult patient scenarios. Surgeons can only do what we do thanks to amazing anesthesiologists.
Cardiovascular Disease
Loryn S. Feinberg, MD: Her door is always open for assistance and camaraderie. She is an amazing doctor and a wonderful example to all.
Marwa A. Sabe, MD: She always makes herself readily accessible to colleagues and trainees, generous with her time and clinical expertise.
Medicine
Neal A. Biddick, MD: Neal goes out of his way every day to support those around him.
Virginia A. Brady, MD: Dr. Ginny Brady is everything that you want in a colleague. Kind, collaborative, super smart, and amazing with patients.
Marc L. Cohen, MD: He leads with compassion and integrity, fostering a culture of collaboration and trust.
Sara B. Fazio, MD: Dr. Fazio has been instrumental in supporting the education and career development of countless physicians.
Hans S. Kim, MD: He has great judgement and works well with all of the specialists, not just in hem onc but other divisions.
Sean D. Levy, MD: Not only is he extraordinary, smart, and a wonderful doctor, he is such a team player.
Catherine M. Matthys, MD: She demonstrates strong passion for providing the best care for patients, regardless of how much work she is given.
Kelsey O’Leary, MD: One of the first people I call if I need expert advice on a challenging case, someone to think through something with, or just someone to understand.
Tyler Peck, MD: On top of his incredibly busy schedule, he still manages to find the time and energy to be supportive of his colleagues.
Rohan Sen, MD: Always offers to help, whether it be a staffing shortage, assisting the swing admitter with an admission, or guiding newer members of the group.
Wendy Stead, MD: Delivers outstanding detail oriented compassionate medical care and excellent medical education to her fellows and to any colleagues anytime.
Rajasekhar Tanikella, MD: Besides providing excellent patient care, he is always helpful with colleagues in providing support during busy times.
Kevin A. Winters, MD: He exhibited great leadership ability in supporting the Hospitalist team throughout a challenging time.
Neonatology
Karen R. McAlmon, MD: She is a very strong advocate for her colleagues. Her leadership is inspiring, and she is truly deserving of this special recognition!
Neurology
Alexandra E. Hovaguimian, MD: She consistently supports others, and always provides encouragement and support, one of the biggest ‘cheerleaders’ I know among my professional female colleagues.
Ludy C. Shih, MD: She spearheaded various efforts…and she does it in a thoughtful way with input from faculty, residents, and administrative staff alike.
OB/GYN
Meredith Atkins, MD: She is always fully present, advocating to create supportive environments that benefit everyone and the institution. She is an inspiration to us all!
Huma Farid, MD: In our meetings which she leads, she makes sure all are heard in their concerns, and she addresses them all with kindness and grace.
Megha Gupta, MD: Her approachable demeanor and willingness to share knowledge foster a culture of teamwork, where everyone feels valued.
Celeste S. Royce, MD: She supports and advocates for the needs of her colleagues including myself to achieve our common goals.
Brett C. Young, MD: She checks in regularly with colleagues, particularly after challenging cases, to ensure needed support is provided.
Ophthalmology
Lloyd P. Aiello, MD: He exemplifies what it means to be a supportive colleague, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and compassion that continues to inspire those privileged to work with him.
Jennifer K. Sun, MD, MPH: Dr. Sun has exhibited exceptional collegiality, support, and mentorship with everyone she interacts with.
Psychiatry
Elizabeth Dunn, MD: She’s the heart of our team; always there to lift morale, foster camaraderie, and ensure everyone feels supported.
Paulo L. Lizano, MD: Dr. Lizano is an exceptional physician-scientist, researcher, and educator. He has supported many students, trainees, and colleagues.
Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
Megan A. Koster, MD, PharmD: Having that time of support and mentorship is invaluable. Megan always goes above and beyond to be present for her faculty.
Radiology
Martin P. Smith, MD: He goes above and beyond for patients that he has never even met. Surgeons rely on expert review of imaging to determine operative plans.
Surgery
Tara S. Kent, MD: She is one of the most meticulous hard workers that I’ve seen. She cares about her patients and is constantly checking in on them.
Umut Sarpel, MD: She sustains a culture in which we easily share concerns and work together to solve problems.
Richard I. Whyte, MD: Richard is the “wise soul” that we all turn to when we need help or guidance. He always delivers sound advice on how to address a difficult situation.
