Doctor in Local ER Receives High Honors

The medical staff at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital recently honored one of their own.

Representatives for the hospital—located in Lake View, very near its border with Lincoln Park—awarded the 2012 Physician Leadership Award on Dec. 12 to James Chadd, M.D., who's the medical director for the hospital's emergency department.

The award is given annually to a doctor, as a nod to his or her service and leadership achievements—including adherence to the hospital’s core values, medical staff committee contributions, volunteerism, administrative leadership, teaching activity and community service. 

“Every time I work with him, I am reminded of what an exceptional teacher Jim is. “I look forward to our shifts together because I always come away with new knowledge or gain a new perspective on a treatment.”

Chadd, board-certified in emergency medicine, was nominated by colleague Meghan Stahulak, D.O., an E.R. physician who has worked with him for more than three years. He joined the hospital in 2003 and has served as medical director since 2008.

“When I first heard of the award, Jim was the first person I thought of to nominate— he deserved it,” Stahulak said. “This has been a big year for the hospital with the launch of the electronic health record and the opening of the brand new E.R. Every time I see Jim he is either coming or going to a meeting. He puts his heart and soul into the E.R.”

In September, PSJH opened a new state-of-the-art emergency center that provides patients with privacy, convenience and efficient care in a spacious and comfortable environment.

The hospital’s previous emergency room was built in 1983 and had no significant renovations in more than 25 years. Chadd spent countless hours in meetings working with architects, administrators, nursing staff and public health officials regarding the new center's design and opening.

As director, Chadd helped the E.R. achieve chest pain accreditation, stroke center certification, and designation as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP).

He has served on numerous hospital committees, including: Internal Medicine Residency, Graduate Medical Education, Sepsis and Medical Staff Bylaws. He also works 14 to 15 shifts per month, whereas some E.R. medical directors may be on only three to four shifts, according to Stahulak.

“Every time I work with him, I am reminded of what an exceptional teacher Jim is,” said Stahulak in her remarks during the award presentation. “I look forward to our shifts together because I always come away with new knowledge or gain a new perspective on a treatment.”

The above information was provided by Presence Saint Joseph Hospital.