14 nominated for Good Samaritan Physician of the Year!
We’re honored to celebrate the leadership and partnership of 14 physicians, nominated by you to receive the 2025 Physician of the Year Award! The winner will be revealed at our annual Medical Staff Meeting & Dinner next week, and all nominees will be recognized.
All nominees are listed below with excerpts of their nominations. Thank you to everyone who nominated a colleague!
Rumneek Bedi, MD, Hospitalist: “Dr. Bedi demonstrates a genuine commitment to her patients’ well-being. She thoughtfully considers the input of her team members, reflecting respect for both collaboration and multidisciplinary care. Her clinical expertise is evident, and I greatly appreciate the skill, professionalism and teamwork she brings.”
Richard Bigler, DO, Hospitalist: “Dr. Bigler is a team player. He talks to all the staff with a smile and talks to patients for as long as they need. Explains testing and treatments thoroughly.” Ed note: True! But Dr. Bigler is ineligible to win because he sits on the MEC.
Brittany Butler, MD, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: “Dr. Butler has stepped up admirably as the medical director of the NICU, as well as taken on additional leadership roles within Women & Infants. She is an excellent neonatologist who is dedicated to quality improvement and clinical care.” Ed note: Absolutely! But Dr. Butler is ineligible to win because she sits on the MEC.
Charlotte Ellenbogen, DO, Infectious Disease: “Consistently approachable and willing to assist, putting the patient’s best interest to the forefront. She is insightful and provides high-quality care. She is an undeniable asset to the medical staff.”
Erin Flannery, DO, Anesthesiology: “Dr. Flannery took on a major role in transitioning the OB deck to a different anesthesia group. She worked tirelessly to make the transition as smooth as possible by working collaboratively between the L&D and anesthesia staff while ensuring patient safety throughout the process.”
Travis Guthrie, MD, Emergency Medicine: “Dr. Guthrie has gone above and beyond with his leadership this past year. He has lead educational efforts with nursing staff and taken on COPPER preparations for the GS ED.” Ed note: He has been essential in this work! But because he sits on the MEC, he is ineligible to win.
David Jackson, MD, Hospitalist: “Dr. Jackson is a doctor's doctor. Thoughtful, professional, a critical thinker who doesn't stop at the easy answer. He remains intellectually curious, is a teacher, a collaborator and a listener. He is tireless in his pursuit of best practice.”
Sean Maddock, MD, Pulmonary Disease: “Dr. Maddock has been instrumental in efforts to transition the ICU to a high-intensity staffing model. He worked tirelessly with GSH leadership and partners in the ED, surgery and hospital medicine to streamline communication and processes.”
Veronica Meierbachtol, DO, Hospitalist: “Dr. Meierbachtol always listens to nursing concerns and collaborates with the care team and patient to achieve the best outcome. She is kind and has a very calming bedside manner. She is timely in returning pages and addressing concerns.” Ed note: Agreed! But because she sits on the MEC, she is ineligible to win this award.
Kiley Mortensen, DO, Anesthesiology: “Dr. Mortensen is a solid, stable figure in the Anesthesia Department. He is an excellent clinician and one of the first to step up and do a case when necessary. He is also a great leader and he has always been very approachable and fair.”
Christine Nguyen, DO, Pulmonary Disease: “Impressive commitment to Good Sam. Accepted a very challenging position as a dedicated noctensivist doing only night shifts. She also recently accepted the ICU director role, navigating a challenging transition to a closed ICU.”
Brian Nordstrom-Lane, MD, Hospitalist: “Dr. Nordstrom Lane always takes the time to hear nursing concerns and is always willing to collaborate with the patient and the rest of the care team. He is genuine and kind when he listens and speaks.” Ed note: We agree! But Dr. Nordstrom-Lane is ineligible to win because he sits on the MEC.
Douglas Ornoff, MD, Hospitalist: “COLLABORATIVE!”
Joshua Solomon, MD, Critical Care Medicine: “In the ICU, teamwork can mean the difference between good care and exceptional care—and Dr. Solomon embodies that difference. He is always open to listening to nursing feedback, valuing every suggestion as an opportunity to improve patient outcomes.”
Heather Winn, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology: “Dr. Winn is an exceptionally caring physician who tailors each visit to the patient's needs. She wears many hats in the specialty clinic and is beneath no task. She will problem solve with PSRs, MAs, APPs and admins to develop innovative solutions that improve clinic operations and maximize patient care.”
James Woodrow, MD, Pulmonary Disease: “I know that if I am working with Dr. Woodrow, I will never be made to feel silly for asking any question. My opinion and perspectives are valued and all decisions will be made with the patient’s well being in front and center. He respects all team members.”
Congratulations to our 2025 nominees! And our sincerest thanks to everyone on our medical staff who is dedicated to the care of our patients and the health of the Good Samaritan community.