Best Consulting Physician
The Best Consulting Physician award is presented to the physician who provides superior consulting or specialized services.
Brad Sipe, M.D.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Institute
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
Dr. Brad Sipe exemplifies excellence as he provides consultations to expectant parents in the maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) clinics. Whether seeing a patient with few risk factors or a patient with a diagnosed complication of pregnancy, he has a remarkable ability to explain complex information in a way that is reassuring and easy to understand, helping patients feel supported and informed. Sipe is exceptionally skilled at discussing genetics and managing high-risk pregnancies, providing clear, compassionate guidance. He balances evidence-based knowledge with empathy, and before leaving the room, he takes time to ask the patient and family once again if they have questions about the findings and explanations he shared. This deep connection with families is also evident in the operating room, as shared by a mother grateful for Sipe’s lifesaving actions.
Sipe collaborates seamlessly with other specialists, ensuring coordinated and evidence-based care. His consultations are often highly educational for the clinical team, as he takes time to explain his reasoning and share insights that enhance collective understanding. A colleague noted, “Dr. Sipe walks into every consultation with the tools needed to answer patient’s questions and concerns. He has transformed the standard of patient care within the MFM program through deep clinical insight, evidence-based practice and genuine compassion.”
Brijen L. Joshi, M.D.
Chief, Thoracic Anesthesiology
Medical Director, High-Risk Surgery
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Dr. Brijen Joshi goes above and beyond to care for patients and prevent delays in care. At Johns Hopkins Bayview, the orthopaedic trauma service sees a large number of hip fracture cases. These patients often need echocardiograms and preoperative optimization, which could delay care in certain circumstances. On more than one occasion, Joshi reviewed echocardiograms for patients who were not in his care. Without him, the patients’ care would have been delayed until the next day, significantly increasing their mortality.
Joshi’s bedside manner combines clarity and empathy, whether it’s explaining a complex diagnosis to a family or collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. His intellect and compassion define what it means to be the “Best Consulting Physician.”
Peter Hamm, M.D.
Pulmonologist, Johns Hopkins Medicine Pulmonology Chevy Chase and Sibley Memorial Hospital
Johns Hopkins Community Physicians
Dr. Peter Hamm’s career, spanning more than 40 years, is defined by professionalism, leadership and compassion. He has earned the trust and respect of his colleagues and patients alike. Beyond his top-notch clinical acumen, his colleagues admire his collaborative nature, multifaceted perspective and rational thinking. His patients appreciate his candid approach, transparency and professionalism. Hamm is always willing to support his patients, his patients’ families and his colleagues however he can.
Hamm has held various leadership and board positions throughout his career, and has been consistently recognized as one of the region’s “Top Doctors” by Washingtonian magazine. Beyond his clinical practice, Hamm donates his time annually to participate in medical mission trips.
In the words of one patient, “Dr. Hamm is the best doctor I have ever encountered. He is knowledgeable, caring, spends time explaining and always listens to my concerns. We need more doctors like him.”
Brett Morrison, M.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Dr. Brett Morrison is known as an exceptional consulting physician whose clinical expertise, dedication and leadership have had profound effects on patient care at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. A nationally recognized neuromuscular specialist, he provides comprehensive care to a diverse population of patients while consistently exceeding clinical expectations.
In addition to serving as a trusted consultant across the institution, Morrison plays a pivotal role in shaping clinical practice through his leadership as director of the Adult Neurology Consult Service, his long-standing commitment to resident and fellow education as program director of the Neuromuscular Medicine Fellowship Program, and his instrumental contributions to modifying safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. His influence extends hospitalwide through multidisciplinary leadership roles, policy development and specialized consultations that have directly improved patient outcomes.
Lucas Nikkel, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
Known as a trustworthy and approachable physician, Dr. Lucas Nikkel collaborates closely with colleagues to simplify complex cases and create the best possible treatment plans. Nikkel is frequently seen moving from the operating room to the emergency department to assist in any way he can.
His interactions with patients are always friendly, and his demeanor with staff fosters an engaging environment, centered around patient care. He strives to see his patients improve daily, and enjoys being a problem-solver whom they can rely on.
Nikkel was also recognized as one of Baltimore Magazine’s Top Doctors of 2025, underscoring his commitment to superior patient care.
Preethi Sural, M.D.
Office Medical Director, Johns Hopkins Medicine Infectious Diseases
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Dr. Preethi Sural is an exceptional consultant and teammate. As infectious diseases medical director, she welcomes consultations and helps provide solutions for some of the sickest patients at Sibley. Regarded as a valuable asset to her team and patients, she actively seeks excellence in patient care and educates her peers on guidelines and best practices.
Sural has successfully expanded the infectious diseases group at Sibley and Suburban hospitals for both inpatient and outpatient service lines, increasing patient access and support and demonstrating her knowledge, compassion and collegiality. She consistently provides timely, expert advice and thorough follow-ups, exemplifying her commitment to excellence. Through her dedication to these values and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration, she elevates those around her.
Peter Fitzgibbons, M.D.
Suburban Hospital
Dr. Peter Fitzgibbons, an orthopaedic physician specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery, consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, collaboration and compassion. He routinely accepts challenging consults declined by others, often preventing unnecessary patient transfers and enabling safe, effective care within Suburban Hospital. “Even when not on call, Dr. Fitzgibbons readily assists with emergency cases, providing expert guidance and operative support that ensure timely, high-quality care,” a colleague writes.
Fitzgibbons’ expertise is instrumental in complex cases, and his prompt outpatient follow-up provides continuity of care for his patients and inspires the confidence of his colleagues. His outstanding bedside manner fosters trust, which leaves patients feeling supported and with a thorough understanding of their diagnosis, treatment options, and surgical risks and benefits. “His dedication to patient care, flexibility and reliability consistently go above and beyond expectations,” his colleague writes.
