Physicians honored with McLeod Pillars of Professionalism awards
On Dec. 7, five McLeod physicians were honored with the Pillars of Professionalism Awards during a ceremony on the grounds of the McLeod Health and Fitness Center. In observance of precautions to prevent spread of COVID 19, the event was held outdoors with social distancing and masking observed. This annual event recognizes those physicians who reflect the highest values in professional excellence. The 2020 honorees included Dr. M. Adnan Alsaka, Dr. Michelle Huxford, Dr. Vipul Shah, Dr. L.R. Perry Jr. and Dr. Davinderbir Pannu. The intent of the Pillars of Professionalism is to symbolize the ideas that can effect change in the level of physician service excellence in healthcare. The capstone of this structure is Value. Supporting that capstone are five columns of excellence — Educator, Enthusiastic, Ethical, Efficient and Efficacious. These pillars rest on the solid foundation of Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Jeremy Robertson, Chief Medical Officer for McLeod Regional Medical Center, opened the program with a welcome and served as host for the ceremony. “Tonight, we celebrate our seventh year of Pillars of Professional Awards, recognizing those characteristics that our medical staff have identified as best of the best,” said Robertson. “2020 has been a challenging year, but those challenges have revealed the importance of all the hands that touch our patients. It has shown the value of the culture we have developed at McLeod; a culture that values the patients and caregivers alike. It has shown the value of working for an organization that has prioritized people, above all.” Rob Colones, president of McLeod Health, offered an invocation, and was followed by Dr. Vinod Jona, Chief of Staff for McLeod Regional Medical Center. Jona spoke about the commitment of the medical staff during the pandemic and thanked administration and all McLeod team members for their dedication and service. Dr. Alsaka received the Educator – Mentor Award. This pillar reflects a teacher whose goal is helping others succeed. Dr. William Hester of the McLeod Family Medicine Center presented this award to Alsaka in recognition of his mentoring medical students and resident physicians in the treatment of patients with nephrology concerns. The Enthusiastic – Joy of Medicine Award was presented to Dr. Huxford by Dr. Thomas Lewis, Medical Director of Emergency Services for McLeod Regional Medical Center. This honor is presented to a leader who infects others with excitement and energy about providing healthcare. Huxford serves patients as an emergency medicine physician at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Dr. Shah was recognized with the Ethical – Do the Right Thing Award by Dr. Sreenivas Rao, oncologist with the McLeod Cancer Center. The Ethical Pillar represents a trusted and respected steward who balances the needs of the patient with resources to treat their illness. Shah serves as Medical Director of McLeod Hospice and Palliative Care and the McLeod Hospice House. The Efficient – Value in Medicine Award was presented to Dr. Perry. This recipient displays the attributes of being an agile decision maker who can create simplicity out of complexity. Dr. Gerald Hamrick presented this distinction to Perry, his colleague in Anesthesiology at McLeod Health. Perry serves patients as part of American Anesthesiology. Dr. Pannu received the Efficacious – Outstanding Outcomes Award from Dr. Rajesh Bajaj, oncologist with McLeod Cancer Center. This pillar reflects a knowledgeable and skilled surveyor of risk management and advocate of coordinated care. Pannu cares for patients as an advanced endoscopist and gastroenterologist with the McLeod Digestive Health Center. Will McLeod, Administrator for McLeod Regional Medical Center, closed the evening with thanks to all medical staff and a toast in honor of those who personify the mission and values of McLeod Health. “Today we honor the best in class, our collective vision to inspire, heal and comfort,” said McLeod. “To the awards recipients, past, present or future, we honor you for your model in both character and leadership. It is with heartfelt gratitude we extend our thanks and respect to all caregivers facing daily challenges with grace and compassion.”