Memorial Hermann names two UT doctors “Physicians of the Year”
HOUSTON – (Dec. 22, 2006) – Two doctors on the faculty of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston have been named the 2006 Physicians of the Year at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
During an annual medical staff meeting Dec. 14, James J. McCarthy, M.D., became the first emergency medicine specialist to earn Memorial Hermann-TMC’s top award for excellence in leadership and patient care.
Juanita Romans, CEO of Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, congratulates James J. McCarthy, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and winner of the 2006 Physician of the Year Award at Memorial Hermann-TMC. Photo by Dwight Andrews
McCarthy joined the UT Medical School faculty in 2001 and is assistant professor and assistant residency program director in the Department of Emergency Medicine. He also is the medical director of the hospital’s emergency center.
Mesfin Woldesenbet, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, is the 2006 Physician of the Year for Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Woldesenbet joined the UT Medical School faculty more than two years ago.
“I applaud the outstanding accomplishments of Dr. McCarthy and Dr. Woldesenbet and celebrate their recognition by Memorial Hermann,” said Jerry Wolinsky, M.D., interim dean of the UT Medical School at Houston.
Memorial Hermann gives the awards to highly-regarded physicians who demonstrate patient-centered practices and evidence-driven medicine, among other qualities.
"Dr. McCarthy's leadership and professionalism, as well as his commitment to providing the highest quality patient care, are an inspiration to all who work with him," said Juanita Romans, CEO of Memorial Hermann-TMC.
Brent King, M.D., interim executive vice president and chief operating officer of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and former chairman of emergency medicine, described McCarthy as “extremely deserving” of the hospital’s top honor.
“Patients appreciate him. The residents respect him as a teacher, and faculty respect him as a colleague in every regard,” King said. “He’s a great leader and an extremely good physician – one of the finest emergency medicine physicians I’ve ever met.”
Mesfin Woldensenbet, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston (center), celebrates with his wife and Craig Cordola, CEO of Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, after winning the 2006 Physician of the Year Award at Children's Memorial Hermann. Photo by Dwight Andrews
Jose Garcia, M.D., associate professor and interim director of UT Medical School’s Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, said Woldesenbet brings compassionate care to Children’s Memorial Hermann’s smallest patients. That care, Garcia said, is enhanced by Woldesenbet’s clinical research and expertise in the role of the placenta in respiratory medicine.
“We all love the work ethic, compassion and naturally kind demeanor of Dr. Woldesenbet,” Garcia said. “He is a true asset to our division, to the hospital and to patients and their families.”
Craig Cordola, CEO of Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, said Woldesenbet is dedicated to excellence in all areas of his work.
"Dr. Woldesenbet is truly deserving of this honor," Cordola said. "Within a very short time on our campus, his approach and demeanor has made an impact on the families he serves as well as the hospital staff he works with."
Woldesenbet was among 11 pediatricians nominated this year for the Physician of the Year award at Children’s Memorial Hermann. Out of a field of six physicians, McCarthy was the only emergency medicine specialist nominated for the award at Memorial Hermann-TMC.
Two other UT physicians were recognized for their accomplishments in health care during the annual medical staff meeting. Charles Ericsson, M.D., professor of medicine, and Alan Criswell, M.D., clinical associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, received Distinguished Doctor awards.
Memorial Hermann-TMC and Children’s Memorial Hermann are primary teaching hospitals for the UT Medical School at Houston.
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