Greenwich Hospital Hosts 49th Annual House Staff Graduation Ceremony

Information via Greenwich Hospital

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Hospital recently hosted its 49th annual house staff graduation ceremony for its resident physicians, as well as its physician interns.

The event marked a significant milestone in the careers of the 15 honorees (seven residents and eight interns) who will now transition into the next stage of their medical professional journeys.

Greenwich Hospital leadership was on hand to thank the graduates for their service and congratulate them on their success and hard work.

“This is your moment,” said Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly, according to a news release. “You’ve worked really hard to be here. You’ve all accomplished so many milestones that these moments probably blur a little. Please don’t let them blur. They’re special and you do not get those moments back. This is a time to celebrate and let the people who love you celebrate you.”

Before each graduating resident received their diploma, Dr. Charles Seelig, residency program director, left them with individualized messages of gratitude and good fortune.

Dr. Michael Franco, section head, pulmonary medicine, and Dr. Donna Phanumas, geriatrician, did the same for the interns.

In addition to diplomas, seven awards – five for members of the graduating class who exemplified exceptional service and mentorship and two for Greenwich Hospital staff members who went out of their way to help the residents – were presented:

• The Dr. Nelson A. Bonheim Research in Medicine Award for outstanding research and professionalism was given to Dr. Danielle Arons, who will continue her research at the radiation oncology fellowship at the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
• The Resident Teacher Award went to Dr. Matthew Pearl for his excellent skills as a physician, educator and role model for interns and medical students. Pearl accepted a position as hospitalist for White Plains Hospital.
• The Dr. Henry E. Markley Humanitarian in Medicine Award for dedication to patient care was presented to Dr. Gerald Doherty, who will join the geriatrics and palliative care fellowship at NYU Langone.
• The Quality and Safety Award went to Dr. Ryan Kelly for his outstanding service in promoting quality and safety throughout the hospital. Kelly has accepted a position as a hospitalist for Northeast Medical Group and GreenwichHospital.
• The Golden Apple Teaching Award for the top teaching attendant was won by Dr. Geetali Mohan.
• The Nursing-Resident Partner in Care Award was presented to a nurse who demonstrated collegiality and professionalism towards residents throughout their training. This year’s winner was Kathryn Burke.
• There were two Resident Physician Patient Experience Award winners. The recipients of this award were recognized for their dedication and commitment, consistently meeting the needs of patients, staff and physicians. The award went to Drs. Pearl and Doherty.

The graduates were honored in front of colleagues and loved ones who were on hand to witness the momentous occasion in the lives of these future leaders in health care.