National Doctors’ Day
In March 2018, the Upstate Foundation celebrated National Doctors’ Day for the seventh consecutive year honoring Upstate Medical University physicians for the exceptional care, expert guidance and dedication they offer patients every day. The Foundation staff proudly hand-delivered more than 3,200 tributes from grateful patients and their families, and would like to congratulate the doctors who were most recognized through this program.
“This distinction is no surprise, knowing these doctors for many years, and having read these letters detailing so many extraordinary examples of care and compassion. We are always touched by the heartwarming words from their patients and the gratitude they feel for the care they have received. We are again pleased to be the conduits in delivering their sentiments to all Upstate doctors,” stated Eileen Pezzi, Vice President for Development at Upstate.
Congratulations to the following Top Ten Upstate Physicians who received the highest number of patient tributes this year:
- Gennady Bratslavsky, MD
- Jeffrey Bogart, MD
- Stephen Graziano, MD
- Kevin Setter, MD
- Robert Sherman, MD
- Jason Wallen, MD
- Sam Benjamin, MD
- Timothy Byler, MD
- Ajay Jain, MD
- Dilip Kittur, MD
A sampling of tributes from Upstate Orthopedics patients:
Terry Hildreth, patient of Emil Azer, MD, Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service and Joint Replacement
“I think you are a wonderful doctor. You always take the time to talk to me and answer any question I have or whoever has brought me to your office.”
Patricia Dougherty Guynup, patient of Emil Azer, MD, Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service & Joint Replacement
“So impressed that after you viewed my radiograph you scheduled me for surgery right away. It was incredibly easy to come back from your hip replacement. Night and day beyond my other hip done 9 years previously. Thank you.”
Betsy Hartnett, patient of Emil Azer, MD, Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service & Joint Replacement
“Thank you for putting me together again! You are a very skilled surgeon. Thanks for putting up with my antics!!! You have helped me through a very difficult time.”
David Cutrone. patient of Brian Kistler, MD,Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service
“Dr. Brian Kistler and team, you gave me the drive to begin to recover, and you came and sat with me in my room after my operation, so thank you to you and your team. You’re A-#1.”
Elizabeth Mills, patient of Brian Kistler, MD, Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service
“Thank you so much for doing an awesome job on putting my leg back together! I appreciate your kindness and everything you’ve done. You’re an amazing surgeon!”
Dorothy Fey, speaking about her son, Craig, patient of Brian Kistler, MD, Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service
“Thank you for everything you did for my son. Because of your expertise, Craig was soon up and walking on his road to recovery. Also appreciate you taking the time, the evening before surgery, to call me at home and let me know about the surgery. Every step of the way you have been helpful and informative.”
Cheri Richards, patient of Brian Kistler, MD, Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service
“I am so grateful for all you have done for me. We first came to meet on 1/4/16 after I was brought to Upstate following a car accident. The accident left me with both femurs broken quite severely as well as a broken tibia in my left leg. You put my bones back together. During this past summer I again had to have you operate to replace the hardware and install rods. Because of you, I am getting my life back together. No words can express my gratitude to you. In my eyes you are absolutely the best! You are my hero! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Clyde Gregory, patient of Brian Kistler, MD, Upstate Orthopedics Trauma Service
“Thank you for all you have done for me. You put me back together when I didn’t think it was possible. I’m walking because of you.”
