27 Lutheran clinicians nominated by peers for annual excellence awards!
Congratulations to the 27 physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses nominated by members of our medical staff to win the 2024 Physician of the Year, APP of the Year and Nurse of the Year Awards!
These annual awards give Lutheran physician leaders an opportunity to recognize clinicians who demonstrate the highest levels of clinical excellence, teamwork and loyalty, based on your nominations. It is our privilege to recognize them here.
Please see the complete list below, arranged in alphabetical order by award. The comments provided with each name are brief excerpts of the thoughtful words submitted on their behalf.
Lutheran 2024 Physician of the Year nominees
Shai Feingold, DO, Internal Medicine: He is thoughtful in involving consulting physicians and makes the right decisions when discussing patient preference for care.
Ross Goldstein, MD, Radiology: He is an incredible neural radiologist and is always available to provide feedback and improve services.
Ed note: Absolutely agree! But as a member of the MEC, he is ineligible for this award.
Katy Irani, MD, General Surgery: Dr. Irani is an amazing surgeon, an incredibly thoughtful physician, and truly is one of the best partners I've ever had!
David Leventhal, MD, Emergency Medicine: Dr. Leventhal continues to excel clinically as well as in his leadership roles at Lutheran. He is involved with the Cardiology Committee, EMS leadership, Epic and more.
Jerry Miklin, MD, Cardiovascular Disease: Dr. Miklin has been a great role model for many young physicians with his work ethic, intelligence and availability. He has continued to take difficult call regularly, and it seems like he is always working.
Scott Miner, MD, Emergency Medicine: Tireless effort for the Lutheran ED. Was able to get historically low left-without-being-seen rates.
Ed note: True! But as our chief-elect and member of the MEC, he is ineligible for this award.
Jeff Morelock, MD, Thoracic & Cardiac Surgery: A true professional who helps carry the culture of Lutheran Hospital. He is a bridge between specialties and departments both on the clinical side and professional side.
Mark Passo, MD, Hospice & Palliative Medicine: Dr. Passo does an extraordinary job when consulted to discuss end-of-life decisions with families and patients. He is an excellent communicator and partners with everyone.
Franco Rea, MD, General Surgery: He puts the patient before himself, working most weekends, staying late and ensuring quality care. He is collaborative and level-headed and a role model for many physicians and APPs.
Rebecca Wiebe, MD, General Surgery: Considerate, compassionate, caring, uses good judgment, technically skillful.
Ed. note: Well-known for being awesome, Dr. Wiebe is a previous winner of the Physician of the Year Award and is, therefore, ineligible to win again.
Beata Wyatt, MD, Internal Medicine: As a nocturnist, Beata has served as a fierce and gentle protector, keeping patients safe by virtue of her presence and expertise. She is reliable, resilient, compassionate, honest, calm — a quiet leader. I cannot think of a more exceptional physician.
Leah Wydro, DO, Pulmonary Disease: Dr. Wydro is an amazing, dedicated physician. She is smart, kind and compassionate with her patients. She is an important part of the hospital’s future success.
Christopher Zaw-Mon, MD, General Surgery: His excellent leadership in transforming Lutheran into a formidable trauma center. His tireless commitment to staff education and his impeccable character.
Ed note: No doubt! But as a member of the MEC, he is ineligible for this award.
Lutheran 2024 APP of the Year nominees
RJ Balzen, NP, Pulmonary Disease: He is smart, capable and has worked his way through transport, nursing, and now NP at Lutheran. He is committed to his patients and to the community.
Annie Erickson, PA, Hospice & Palliative Medicine: Annie is exceptional in her role as a palliative care clinician. She sets a standard of practice that anyone would be wise to imitate.
Selvi Kumar, NP, Bariatric Surgery: Selvi is an incredible asset to our team. She is thoughtful, patient, kind, incredibly competent and level-headed. She is truly amazing!
Brook Stevens, NP, Pulmonary Disease: Brook is dedicated, kind, intelligent and meticulous in detail in providing excellent patient care.
Lutheran 2024 Nurse of the Year nominees
Fajen Chaney, RN, Neurocritical Care Unit: Fajen’s knowledge and experience surrounding her patients’ diagnoses are extremely helpful and calming for family members of critically ill patients.
Julie Bauer, RN, ICU: Julie is an outstanding nurse with an impeccable attitude who brings a lot of knowledge to the table.
Kathryn Camell, RN, IMCU: Kathryn is always incredibly professional and on top of patient care. Before I ask for things, they are already done. Her patients love her.
Dara Cytron, RN, Neurocritical Care Unit: Dara is respectful, approachable and very intelligent. She has grown to become a valued asset of the ICU/NCC team and we are lucky to have her.
Jennette Kallander, RN, Neurocritical Care Unit: Jennette is committed to clinical excellence and has an outstanding performance record. She is a leader to her peers, is accountable, and has a passion for others that shines through in her work.
Jane Newman, RN, ICU: Jane is an exceptional ICU nurse. She is always very thorough, responsive and respectful to her peers. She is a valued team member.
Cori Powell, RN, Med/Surg: Cori is on top of patient care and is easy to communicate with. She always brings up appropriate concerns and has excellent rapport with families.
Isaac Vandenbos, RN, ICU: Isaac has a thirst for knowledge and strives every shift to provide top-notch patient care. He is an excellent asset to his team and is always ready for a challenging patient load with a positive attitude.
Jennifer Warnke, RN, ICU: Jennifer is an outstanding ICU nurse. She is kind and energetic and is always ahead of the game when it comes to her patients’ needs.
Congratulations and thank you to all of our nominees! The winners will be announced and everyone will be celebrated at Lutheran’s Annual Medical Staff Meeting and Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 26. All Lutheran physicians and advanced practice providers are encouraged to attend! Click the button below to RSVP for you and a guest.