The Sonoma County Medical Association (SCMA) has recognized three Sutter-affiliated physicians for their exemplary service and contributions to the Sonoma, Calif., community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recipients of SCMA’s 37th Annual Physician Awards include:
Outstanding Contribution to Local Medicine – Gary Green, MD, FIDSA, Medical Director of Quality, Infection Prevention, Antibiotic Stewardship at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. Dr. Green was selected with appreciation for his identification of the first cases of COVID-19 in Sonoma County; persistent advocacy and collaboration with Public Health and the CDC; co-authoring articles on the early pandemic for MMWR and NEJM; and providing crucial education about the virus to clinicians and the public.
Outstanding Service to the Community – Brian Prystowsky, MD, Pediatrician with Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods. Dr. Prystowsky was selected in recognition of his being an indomitable champion for COVID-19 vaccine advocacy and community education; the force behind the “I’m In” vaccination campaign; and unrelenting organization of vaccination events and the creation of multi-media vehicles to reach patients, physicians and underserved populations.
Practice Manager of the Year – Carolyn Dam, PharmD, Pharmacy Services Manager at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. Dr. Dam was recognized for her tireless work to ensure efficient processes for Sutter’s COVID-19 vaccination program and clinic in Santa Rosa, Calif.; playing a critical role in developing anticoagulation guidelines and workflows for COVID patients; and her instrumental work in acquiring IV Remdesivir for use in Sonoma County.