Together We Can
Leader in Medicine

Selection for the American Health Council’s “Leader in Medicine” award is reserved for those individuals who have exhibited exemplary conduct in their field. These doctors and medical educators serve as the guiding light for advancement from the classroom to the consultation room to the operating room. Leading by example, the difference begins with them.

Browse award recipients by state:

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CALIFORNIA

California's Best in Medicine
The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Reyzan Shali as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of her outstanding dedication in the field of Internal Medicine.
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Dr. Jose A. Matus
The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Jose Matus, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of his outstanding dedication in the field of Neurology.
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The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Shermeil Dass, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of her outstanding dedication in the field of Psychiatry.
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The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Howard Cohen, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of his outstanding dedication in the field of Osteopathic Medicine.
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Dr. Gary R. Skankey
The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Gary Skankey, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of his outstanding dedication in the field of Infection Disease Medicine.
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The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Ellen Killebrew, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of her outstanding dedication in the field of Cardiology.
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The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Thomas Chen, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of his outstanding dedication in the field of Neurosurgery.
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The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Vincent Felitti, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of his outstanding dedication in the field of Internal Medicine.
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The American Health Council has welcomed Dr. Bonnie McLean, as " Best in Medicine" in recognition of her outstanding dedication in the field of Integrative Medicine.
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Dr. Thomas Chen is the Professor of Neurological Surgery at Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Chen's goal is to make USC Neuro-oncology the leader in innovative treatments for brain and spine tumors. As a result, emphasis is placed on translating new findings made in the laboratory to clinical trials.
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Dr. Thomas Chen is the Professor of Neurological Surgery at Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Chen's goal is to make USC Neuro-oncology the leader in innovative treatments for brain and spine tumors. As a result, emphasis is placed on translating new findings made in the laboratory to clinical trials.
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Currently serving as the medical director for the anesthesia department at Pacific Endoscopic Surgery Center in California, Dr. Taguchi ensures that all functions within the anesthesia department run effectively. While he has held that role for a decade, he contributes extensive skills and knowledge in gastrointestinal-related issues, anesthesia, and medicine.
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Dr. Patricia Dang is an internist with Loma Linda University Medical Center.Dr. Dang received her medical degree from Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2008. After obtaining her medical degree...
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Anthony Stein, MD
Dr. Anthony Stein, Hematologist/Oncologist, Director of the Leukemia Program, Co-Director of the Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, and Clinical Professor of Hematology & Hematopoietic Transplantation at City of Hope in Duarte, is being recognized...
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Ms. Charlie Evans, RPT, MHA began her academic endeavors at the California State University, Los Angeles, where she graduated with her BA in 1974. With a keen interest in healthcare, Ms. Evans remained in education, receiving her RPT from the...
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Dr. Yafeh is currently working as a Stroke Neurologist at the NeuroMedical Diagnostic Medical Group and has been fulfilling the role for six years. As a stroke neurologist, Dr. Yafeh’s day to day responsibilities include treating patients who have suffered a stroke, an aneurysm, and various other vascular neurology problems.
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Working in the healthcare industry for over 35 years, Ms. Kathryn Powell, MSHA, MA is an expert in the field of Leadership, Management, Development, Operative Services and Healthcare Administration.
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Dr. Mehrnaz Badie, MD is a Primary Care Physician at Mission Heritage Medical Group. Dr. Badie received her Medical training and Degree at Tehran Azad University in Tehran, Iran in 2000.
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Working in the healthcare industry for 14 years, Ms. Meehan is an expert in the field of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Today, Ms. Meehan is employed as Program Manager at Medtronic, an organization that works with partners to improve healthcare across the globe.
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Dr. Edgar Fincher is a surgeon at Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics Dermatology, where he has worked for the past 15 years.
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Dr. Nugent has worked in the healthcare industry for more than 25 years, with the last 15 years being spent in her current role as Division Chief of Hematology for Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
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An associate professor in clinical neurology at the University of South California School of Medicine, Dr. Aronow teaches general neurology to medical students and consults with patients who experience chronic pain, headaches and other neurological conditions. Since entering the healthcare industry nearly 30 years ago, Dr. Aronow has garnered comprehensive skills and knowledge in medicine and HIV/AIDS neurology and research and has delivered high-quality patient care.
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Dr. Kelly Keefe first became interested in pursuing a role in healthcare after spending some time working in a nursing home at a young age. This led her embark on a period of medical studies which included an MD from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where she graduated in 1985, followed by an internship in Internal Medicine at the Naval Hospital, a residency in Ophthalmology at the Naval Medical Center and a fellowship in Ophthalmic Pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.
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Dr. Novarro Stafford recently retired at the age of 83 after an outstanding 52 years within the healthcare industry - a long career weaving together many dazzling achievements. Specializing in Medicine, Trauma, Ketamine and Anesthesiology, Dr. Stafford firmly attributes his success to his persistence and dedication to his field.
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Currently an assistant professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, Conn., Dr. Alvira dedicates her time to improving various aspects of the pediatric field by conducting research. While she has held her current role for eight years, she has spent the last 13 years in the healthcare industry expanding her skills and knowledge in intensive care, pediatrics, critical care medicine, lung development and pulmonary vascular.
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Dr. Naylor provides high-quality care to each patient he treats. While he has held his current role for over 10 years, he has spent the last 24 years in the healthcare industry expanding his skills and knowledge in healthcare education, workforce development, business, leadership, management and neurology.
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Dr. Kelly serves as a professor of neuroscience and neurosurgery at the John Wayne Cancer Institute and the director of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. While he has held his current role for over 10 years, Dr. Kelly has spent over 20 years expanding his skills and knowledge in neurosurgery, brain tumors, pituitary surgery, medical education, patient education and patient support.
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Karen Arnold, BS, PA-C
Karen Arnold, BS, PA-C, a physician assistant at Lakeside Urgent Care in Burbank, Calif., Ms. Arnold provides immediate walk-in treatment for patients suffering from a variety of illnesses and injuries. Since entering the healthcare industry 16 years ago, Ms. Arnold has garnered skills and knowledge in the emergency room and urgent care and all its diversity, especially orthopedics, pediatrics and dermatology.
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Harkesh Sandhu, MD
Dr. Sandhu devoted his considerable intellect to a medical profession, graduating with honors from Punjabi University in 1979 with a Medical Degree. He then excelled in his Fellowship at Guru Nanak Dev University, which he completed in 1983. He will be bringing his expertise in Internal Medicine and Otolaryngology.
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Rick A. McPheeters, DO
Rick A. McPheeters, DO will be sharing his knowledge and expertise in Healthcare Education, Workforce Development, and Journal Management.
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Dr. David L. Feingold, Partner / Orthopedic Surgeon at Orthopedic Medical Center, shares his knowledge and expertise on Trauma Care, Orthopedics, Orthopedic Surgery, and Patient Care. With over a decade of experience in the field of Orthopedic Surgery.
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Michael Irwin, MD
Dr. Irwin has been active in the healthcare industry for the past 35 years. He obtained his MD from the University of California, San Diego, in 1981, and completed his Residency at the UCLA School of Medicine in 1985. Dr. Irwin’s strong interest in behavioral health led him to his current profession.
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Anas Hana, MD
Dr. Anas Hana, Internist/ Medical Acupuncturist/ Owner at Hana Holistic Medical Center. Dr. Hana shares his knowledge and expertise in the field of Internal Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, and Herbal Medicine.
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Robert Resnik MD
Dr. Robert Goldsmith, the current Executive Director of Corporate Employee Health at Novartis Services Incorporated. His expertise in internal medicine, occupational medicine, and public health are being acknowledged as major contributions to American healthcare.
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Howard Aaron Aronow, MD

Assoc. Prof.
USC Keck School of Med.

Robert Greenfield, MD, FACC, FAHA, FNLA

Senior Partner
California Heart Associates

Robert Hesselgesser, MD

Radiation Oncologist
Coastal Radiation Oncology Medical Group, Inc

Nader Javadi, MD

Medical Director
Hope Health Center

Kelly Keefe, MD

Eye Physician & Surgeon
Self Employed

Caren Lieberman, BS

Owner
Physical Therapy Studio

Lorraine Lupin M.D.

Director 
Cedars Sinai Med. Center

Lawrence McKnight, PA-C

Physician Assistant
Harrison Medical

Sanjay Muttreja, MD, FHM

Regional Medical Director
Envision Physician Services

Golaun Odabaei, MD, MS

Nephrologist
East Bay Nephrology Medical Group

Hardip Rahal, PA-C, MPT

Physician Assistant
Sierra Pacific Orthopedic Center

Harkesh Sandhu, MS, MD

Staff Physician
Dept. of Veterans Affairs

John Schaeffer, DO

President, CEO, Chief Medical Officer
American Telepsychiatrists

Stanford Shu, MD

Attending Physician
Loma Linda Univ.

Novarro Stafford, Senior, ABA/MD

Consultant
Self

Cassie Stanton, MS, PA-C

Physician Assistant
US Healthworks

Mitchell Taguchi, M.D.

Director
Ambulatory Anesthesia Assoc.

Dung Trinh, MD

Chief Medical Officer
Irvine Clinical Research

Manuel Weiskopf, MD

Attending
Manuel Weiskopf. MD

Banafsheh Yafeh, M.D.

Stroke Neurologist
Neuromedical Diagnositic Med. Group

Raymond Zablotny, AB, MD

Retired Psychiatrist
Permanente Medical Group