Nearly 30 physicians, APPs nominated for annual awards at Saint Joseph
It’s an impressive list of clinical expertise, teamwork and a commitment to teaching that extends into every care area in the hospital. Thanks to your personal and persuasive words, 23 physicians and six advanced practice professionals have been nominated for our annual awards. Please see the fill list and excerpts from their nominations below.
And don’t forget to attend the awards ceremony in person at our 2026 Medical Staff Meeting & Dinner! Scroll to the bottom to RSVP for you and a guest.
2026 Physician of the Year nominees
Brayden Ashdown, MD, Emergency Medicine: Brayden is an exceptional physician and colleague who consistently exemplifies excellence in every aspect of his work. He possesses outstanding clinical acumen and approaches every patient with thoughtfulness, compassion and unwavering professionalism. Brayden is the rare leader who can lead the system where it is but also quietly guide it toward the better future that both our patients and we the physicians know is possible.
Ben Briggs, MD, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Briggs is a highly skilled clinician and proceduralist whose expertise is matched by his commitment to teaching and mentorship. This year, he assumed the role of Department Chair of Internal Medicine, while continuing his service on the Professional Practice Evaluation Committee, formerly Peer Review. He has grown into a respected physician leader, combining sound judgment with a genuine willingness to step in wherever needed to support his colleagues.
Brittany Butler, MD, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Brittany is an excellent physician and has been a committed leader in quality improvement. This past year, she has helped lead an initiative to tighten management of oxygen saturations to improve outcomes in retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease. Her efforts are going to help preserve the vision of our smallest and most vulnerable patients.
Amy Cacace, MD, Critical Care Medicine: Amy is an incredible colleague. She is always willing to help others. She does a masterful job teaching residents. Amy has spearheaded our new PERT (pulmonary embolism response team). This is working really well and helping us provide the best care for our patients.
Jake Chanin, MD, Cardiovascular Disease: Dr. Chanin has been an amazing director and champion for our structural heart team. His knowledge and skill are unmatched and his dedication to his team is unwavering. In addition to his clinical acumen and skills, being a leader in his field, he supports the residency program whether it is teaching or participating in our ICU course. He is approachable and always helpful and informative.
Nick Galyon, DO, Internal Medicine: Nick's patients adore him. Even admissions later, they are asking if he is on service and if he can see them. When one patient didn't want to take a shower without shower shoes, he went and got her a set on his own time to ensure she was able to be comfortable during her admission.
Megan Harper, MD, Family Medicine: Dr. Harper has taken the lead on training our OB fellows, running our residency OB emphasis track, and teaching all of our residents strong skills in obstetrical care. She has persevered in the challenging job of coordinating our residency didactic teaching to ensure excellent teaching and has taken the lead on numerous quality and curricular improvement efforts. The level of leadership and responsibility she has taken on in so many realms is truly exemplary.
Kirstin Hesterberg, DO, Cardiovascular Disease: Dr. Hesterberg is, quite simply, the full package. She is an outstanding cardiologist whose clinical acumen is matched by exceptional bedside manner and communication skills. Patients consistently feel heard and cared for under her guidance, and colleagues across specialties know her as someone who explains complex cardiac issues with clarity and compassion. She is also a gifted teacher, elevating the knowledge and skill of everyone around her.
Jonathan Hickman, DO, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Hickman is a nocturnist, triaging and admitting patients for many services and providing consults and “saves” at night. His professionalism, commitment to clinical excellence, communication skills and focus on service keeps our patients moving forward 24/7 and keeps them safe at night. This is a special set of skills and a level of work that goes unseen and greatly unappreciated by most.
Elin Kondrad, MD, Family Medicine: Dr. Kondrad has continued to lead the Family Medicine residency with a calm and graceful presence, among many ups and downs. She is very passionate about maintaining a high-quality and broad-spectrum Family Medicine program even in a difficult climate for primary care.
Cory Manly, MD, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Manly is an exceptional physician and a truly gifted teacher and mentor to our residents, a talent affirmed when the IM residency voted to name him Teacher of the Year. Dr. Manly also has stepped into significant leadership roles, taking on the vice chair of Credentialing and joining the MEC. Thoughtful, organized and consistently excellent in his clinical practice, Dr. Manly exemplifies the kind of physician leader who elevates everyone around him.
Sydne Muratore, MD, General Surgery: Dr. Muratore exemplifies the highest standards of clinical excellence, leadership, education and compassion. She is a relentless and generous educator and consistently takes advantage of everyday clinical moments to provide impromptu teaching sessions for staff, transforming routine encounters into valuable learning opportunities. Her ability to seamlessly incorporate evidence-based data, clinical insights and practical application is remarkable.
Marcus Oginsky, MD, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Oginsky brings a thoughtful, thorough and efficient approach to his work and has become the colleague others rely on to resolve complex operational and clinical challenges. He is equally committed to education, teaching medical students and residents with diligence. Above all, Dr. Oginsky is a steadfast patient advocate and a loyal, hardworking colleague whose contributions strengthen both the quality of care we deliver and the team that delivers it.
Ryan Paterson, MD, Emergency Medicine: Dr. Paterson consistently exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional physician, leader and colleague. He generously gives his time and expertise through the ED Peer Review committee and MEC, among other hospital committees. He’s committed to improving patient care, supporting his colleagues, and strengthening our organization. Dr. Paterson is an outstanding clinician and maintains a positive attitude during the busiest and most challenging shifts.
Marica Pook, MD, Hospital Medicine: Marica cares deeply for her patients, and she puts in the extra time to ensure that all of the necessary consulting teams are coordinating care appropriately. Her extra effort is appreciated by patients and colleagues alike.
Sandhya Rai-Sherpa, MD, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Rai-Sherpa handles complicated patients with a thoroughness that is unmatched. She thinks creatively about solutions and works hard to find the best outcome for all of her patients.
Megan Ross, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology: Excellent clinician! Always available for consult and questions. Works collaboratively with our OBGYN teams. Excellent resident teacher!
Lauren Sarnat, MD, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Sarnat has been a constant weekend presence at Saint Joseph Hospital for 12 years. She gives every patient the time they need, to ensure a detailed and thoughtful approach to patient care.
Michael Schwartz, MD, Critical Care Medicine: Dr. Schwartz always brings relentless optimism, positivity and overall good vibes to his ICU shifts. When residents feel beaten down by long hours and tough cases, Dr. Schwartz brings endless kindness, enthusiasm and humility. Nothing raises staff spirits more than his signature “what up homes?” when walking on the unit. Dr. Schwartz is an icon and role model for residents, other physicians, staff and anyone he comes into contact with.
Eric Seger, DO, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Eric Seger is one of the most dedicated physicians I have ever met. He is a modern rarity in that he still does inpatient hospital care and maintains an active ambulatory practice. He is in charge of the IM residency clinic, rounds with the Faculty Internal Medicine inpatient team one week per month, serves on the Ethics Committee, and frequently is a physician proxy for hospitalized patients without one. He is a compassionate, caring physician and thoughtful leader.
Amy Silverberg, MD, Hospital Medicine: Dr. Silverberg has taken on teaching responsibilities with patience and grace. She is dedicated to ensuring safe patient care and that our learners have a safe learning environment. She cares deeply about her patients, and it shows in her practice.
Neil Sondhi, MD, Internal Medicine: Neil has completely jumped into the education process. He makes intentional efforts to provide detailed education on complex topics based on the patient conditions currently on the service. He puts in extra effort to make sure there is ongoing learning happening.
Al Steinmann, MD, Chief of Academic Medicine: Dr. Steinmann throughout his career has been a strong advocate for the GME program. As a longtime member of the MEC he has made many contributions, including being a part of a small number of physicians who volunteered to help update the policies of the SCL hospitals. He takes his role seriously and especially focuses on how any policy recommendations or changes could affect GME and the residents.
2026 Advanced Practice Professional of the Year nominees
Brooks Correll, PA, Cardiovascular Disease: Brooks is a kind, caring, thoughtful clinician. His patients enjoy seeing him and have developed a strong, trusting relationship. Brooks always helps mentor and support our new APP hires and is a key reason they thrive. I can always rely on Brooks to share his perspective and opinion. He brings thoughtful suggestions that have been discussed with the larger APP group. His clinical care is excellent.
Jessica Gamwell, PA, Cardiovascular Disease: Jessica not only provides great care in the complex and often confusing field of electrophysiology, she does so with great care and compassion. She is universally loved by her colleagues and cherished by the patients with whom she interacts.
Katie Gersman, PA, Emergency Medicine: Katie's thoughtful approach enables her to identify critical information that guides accurate diagnoses and high-quality patient care. Her strong procedural skills are performed with confidence, precision and professionalism. She is consistently patient, kind and reassuring, providing comfort to patients during challenging situations. Katie is an invaluable member of our team. She is collaborative, dependable, and always willing to support those around her.
Alexis Harmon, CNM, Obstetrics & Gynecology: Alexis embodies the very highest standard of clinical excellence, leadership and collaborative care, making a profound impact on both our team and the community we serve. She is a fierce advocate for patients. She approaches care with an unwavering commitment to patient autonomy, safety and dignity, ensuring that every individual feels heard and respected. Her leadership has elevated the quality of care within our department.
Marian Malafarin, NP, Bariatric Surgery: Marian is the backbone of our practice, delivering exceptional reliability, efficiency and compassionate support to bariatric surgery patients. She has continued to perform at the highest level, enabling our team to stay focused, responsive and patient-centered under challenging circumstances. Her resilience, consistency and indispensable role in our daily operations make her a truly deserving nominee for APP of the Year.
Katie Snell, NP, Hematology & Oncology: Katie has been a strong partner in helping with oncology consultations in the hospital, especially with the rapid changes in oncologists over the past year. She is always available, will always see patients, and will coordinate communication between the primary team and the oncologist. Without her, we would have to transfer many patients to other sites to get patients the care they need, but she fills the gap and provides excellent care.
Congratulations to all of our nominees! We invite everyone on the Saint Joseph medical staff to bring a guest to our western-themed hoe-down and watch the awards ceremony, right after cocktails and before the concert. Click the button above to reserve spot!