Good Samaritan award nominees announced!

Nineteen physicians and nine advanced practice providers have been nominated by you for Good Samaritan’s 2024 Physician of the Year and APP of the Year awards, the medical staff’s highest honors for clinical excellence and teamwork.

The full list of nominees is included below, each section in alphabetical order, along with a brief excerpt of the sincere and generous comments submitted on their behalf.

Good Samaritan 2024 Physician of the Year nominees

Rumneek Bedi, MD, Internal Medicine: Dr. Bedi takes the time to listen to her patients’ concerns and shows collaborative teamwork when working with nursing staff.

John Bradley, MD, Anesthesiology: Dr. Bradley has a strong commitment to quality and safety and a tireless energy to work on solutions to help us all learn, grow and become better in a supportive and educational way.

Ed note: Absolutely true! But as a member of the MEC, he is ineligible for the award.

David Jackson, MD, Family Medicine: Dr. Jackson is a very compassionate, caring physician who always strives to do what's best for the individual patient.

Nathan Karber, MD, Emergency Medicine: Amazing leadership in the Emergency Department. Can't imagine anyone doing the job of medical director any better.

Alex Landy, MD, Internal Medicine: I've watched Dr. Landy educate families, listen to their concerns and engage in bigger care conversations with thoughtfulness and awareness.

Catherine Lazar, MD, Pulmonary Disease: Dr. Lazar is a role model for younger generations and very mindful about diversity and inclusion, always working hard to make sure all are included without any bias or discrimination.

Ed note: Without question! But as our chief of staff and member of the MEC, she is ineligible for the award.

Ken Lyn-Kew, MD, Pulmonary Disease: He sprinkles pearls of medical wisdom all throughout engaging stories and the listener cannot help but be drawn in and learn something.

Erin Marcum, MD, Internal Medicine: Dr. Marcum continually approaches her patients with thoughtful care, investing in both the acute problem they are experiencing and the bigger story of their medical trajectory.

Ed note: We agree! But as a member of the MEC, she is ineligible for the award.

Veronica Meierbachtol, DO, Internal Medicine: Veronica is an excellent clinician who does not settle for the status quo and remains intellectually curious and humble, seeking further answers when others would be satisfied without a true answer.

Kiley Mortensen, DO, Anesthesiology: He is always grace under pressure. He is organized, skilled and anticipates the next step and next potential problem.

Doug Ornoff, MD, Hospitalist: His response time is swift and he listens well while providing educated and vital feedback regarding patient care.

Sindhura Pisipati, MD, Internal Medicine: Her clinical acumen is unparalleled and her dedication to continuous learning and improvement sets a benchmark for her peers.

Michael Podolak, MD, Radiology: During the Cath-IR merger, he was constantly asking staff how they were doing with all the change, while encouraging us all to speak up about things that were and weren't working.

Christopher Slater, MD, Internal Medicine: Outstanding service to and advocacy for the medical staff, collegial and an unparalleled commitment to his team.

Emily Stanton, MD, Pulmonary Disease: On a scale from 1 to 10, she is a 12. She is an excellent practitioner and quite skilled at her job. She is the glue of the ICU.

Jolene Washington, DO, Internal Medicine: You will not find a physician with a kinder heart or more compassion. It is a good day when Dr. Washington is around.

Monica Wernick, MD, Anesthesiology: Dr. Wernick is a dedicated, thoughtful, meticulous, caring member of our team. She cares deeply about every patient every day and is a wonderful example of our best doctors.

Heather Winn, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology: Dr. Winn practices with the most progressive methods following cutting edge research in her field of urogynecology. Patients rave about how she actually listens thoroughly and cares about them.

Elisa Zaragoza, MD, Cardiovascular Disease: Always willing to help out with whatever is needed, spends time with patients and makes sure they understand what she is going to do for them.

Good Samaritan 2024 APP of the Year nominees

Vickie Beloy, PA, General Surgery: Vickie has been an excellent team member on the trauma and general surgery service. Despite now moving on to more administrative tasks, she is still actively looking for ways to help patients receive excellent care.

Jenny Clayton, NP, Hematology & Oncology: Jenny has been so instrumental for great quality care for our patients. We really appreciate the stability she has brought to our team.

Laura Clevenger, NNP, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: She has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication, skill and expertise as a clinician, and it is a joy to work with her.

Isabelle Dirksen, PA, Neurological Surgery: Compassionate, team player, always learning, committed to doing the right thing for patients.

Brian Gaston, NP, Orthopaedic Surgery: He is timely, kind and knowledgeable. He always has the patients' best interests at heart and the orthopedic service is lucky to have him.

Ean Moritz, PA, General Surgery: Ean has really helped me improve my skills as a PA. His compassion for his patients is remarkable. He does his job well and is a great role model.

Stephanie Nussbaumer, NP, Pulmonary Disease: She combines her wisdom and experience with a kind, supportive and empathetic demeanor to the benefit of her patients and all of those lucky enough to be on her team.

Mark Stroh, CRNA, Anesthesiology: Has done many trainings around the hospital and has put countless hours in the OR and OB floor. Mark is an exceptional CRNA.

Tabitha Tomajko, PA, General Surgery: I have known Tabitha for years. She’s always pleasant and helpful.

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination so a valued colleague could be recognized! The winners will be announced and all nominees will be celebrated at the Annual Medical Staff Meeting & Dinner on Friday, Oct. 4 at Folsom Field in Boulder.

All physicians and advanced practice providers who are currently members of Good Samaritan’s medical staff are welcome to attend. Please click the button below to reserve a spot for you and your guest.