Congratulations to Veronica Meierbachtol, DO, Hospital Medicine, and Alex Ashton, PA, Trauma Surgery, for respectively winning the 2026 Physician of the Year Award and 2026 Advanced Practice Professional Award! Winners are selected based on nominations submitted by their peers. Those words of admiration and gratitude are included below.
Dr. Veronica Meierbachtol, 2026 Physician of the Year
“Dr. Meierbachtol has been an excellent site lead for hospital medicine at GSH. I appreciate her collaboration, teamwork and thoughtful partnership. Veronica is always level headed, willing to try something new, collaborates effectively with other departments and nurses, and leads by example. Thank you for your leadership, Veronica!”
“She is not only an amazing physician who puts in the extra effort each day for her patients, she also is the leader of the internal medicine team at Good Samaritan and is doing a fantastic job!”
Alex Ashton, 2026 APP of the Year
“Alex is a dedicated physician assistant who provides very efficient and excellent care for the patients he is involved with. He is also constantly interacting with other medical personnel to make sure patients get what they need. Underneath this hard-working exterior, he is personable and funny. He makes people laugh. He makes people tolerate their days even when things are busy and not going so well.”
“Alex is an excellent PA. He is efficient and great at taking care of patients. His surgical skills and help with patient care in the OR and PACU exemplify his being a team player. I enjoy working with him.”
“Alex is the definition of a team player. He’s always available for questions from patients, family, other providers. Alex always has a pleasant demeanor and helps people through some of the hardest times of their life. If my family member were in the hospital I would want Alex taking care of them.”
ICYMI: Click here for all 13 physicians and seven APPs nominated for the awards this year. Congratulations to them and thank you to everyone who cast a ballot!