Dr. Keyan Riley is the 2020 UCHealth Southern Colorado Region Physician of the Year and six other physicians were honored during a regional medical staff meeting Nov. 18.
Meeting virtually, more than 100 providers representing UCHealth Memorial Central, Memorial North, Grandview Hospital and Pikes Peak Regional Hospital heard recognition for the seven award winners and dozens of nominees.
The awards were presented by Dr. Robert Lam on behalf of the physician wellness committee, Dr. David Steinbruner, chief medical officer, and Dr. Joseph Maslak, chief of staff. A committee of physicians, nursing administration and hospital leadership selected winners from peer nominations. Winners received a crystal award and will be featured on a plaque with other recognized award winners at Memorial hospital. This second year for the internal southern Colorado UCHealth awards program.
“We are living and working in challenging times,” Lam said. “We have witnessed the morbidity and mortality the virus can bring to our patients. We have all been impacted by the challenges we face providing care during COVID-19. We have a shared experience of learning to adapt to protect ourselves and our patients and our families.”
Before the awards, Lam shared examples of new life and the role UCHealth played, including a woman whose fears of COVID-19 prompted her to try an at-home birth. She later delivered a healthy baby at Memorial Hospital Central.
“In stark contrast to the darkness that the pandemic brings, there are also stories of how excellent care provided in our health system continues to bring new life in the halls of our hospitals,” Lam said.
Those recognized were:
Physician of the Year: Dr. Keyan Riley.
Riley’s work at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North where his leadership in multiple programs including trauma and acute bleeding protocols prompted his award. His personal touch, including providing his personal cell phone number to patients, was also recognized.
Clinical Training and Mentoring Award: Dr. Rob Price.
Price’s efforts to make regional urgent care centers a place where medical students learn drew praise from the committee and from students.
Drs. Di and Todd Thompson Clinical Collaboration and Teamwork Award: Dr. Chamisa McIndoe.
McIndoe’s building of a grand rounds program which brought speakers to the region and her interdisciplinary efforts with nursing and respiratory therapy staffs drew praise.
Best Consulting Physician: Dr. Thomas Meister.
Meister’s thoughtful opinions and legacy of trust were factors cited in his award.
Excellence in Service and Professionalism: Dr. Thomas Ridder.
Ridder was noted for his humility and outstanding communication skills with patients and colleagues.
Excellence in Quality and Safety: Dr. Jessica Booth.
Booth’s advocacy for improved outcomes for obstetrics patients, knowledge, tenacity and interdisciplinary approach were cited in her award nomination.
Above and Beyond Award: Dr. James Hart.
Hart was recognized for always saying “yes” to help patients and colleagues in need.