Caring Physician Award Winners Announced

10/15/2021

SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital’s Pastoral Care department will host its 30th annual Caring Physician Awards Ceremony at noon on Friday, Oct. 22.  The event will take place in Conference Rooms A-C (Level 2) and virtually via Zoom.

The following recipients will be recognized at the 30th annual Caring Physicians Award Ceremony:

• John Hoff, M.D., SLUCare gynecologic oncologist and associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and women’s health;
• Kyle Karches, M.D., SLUCare internist and associate professor of internal medicine;
• Lindsay Lombardo, D.O., SLUCare surgical urologist and assistant professor of urology; and 
• Grace Wang, M.D.,internal medicine resident.

This year, medical staff, medical students, administration and physicians nominated 22 physicians. Nominations were primarily based on how physicians carry out the mission of Saint Louis University, “The pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity” and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital’s Mission, “Through our exceptional health care services we reveal the healing presence of God.”

When selecting a physician, nominators looked at criteria represented in seven areas:

1. The physician excels in working with patients, families and staff.
2. The physician treats everyone as a sacred human being.
3. The physician respects all patient's right to life and to a dignified death.
4. The physician contributes to quality care of our patients.
5. The physician is open to holistic, innovative and spiritual care.
6. The physician makes contributions to this hospital community.
7. The physician makes contributions to the community at large.

All nominations were truly appreciated, as it shows each nominee's significance, talent, and overall appreciation for their work.

The Caring Physician Awards Ceremony is typically held in late October in celebration of the Feast of St. Luke, patron saint of physicians in the Catholic tradition, on October 18.

The awards will be presented to each recipient by a chaplain who has collaborated with that physician in ministry and service to patients and families.

The event also will bring back several past recipients from the last 30 years to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Caring Physician Awards. They will be recognized in a special reception after the ceremony in the conference center.