Physician of the Year

The Physician of the Year award is given to the physician who consistently achieves high standards in the practice of medicine and is looked upon as a role model by his or her peers.

Eric Schwartz, M.D.

Howard County General Hospital: Eric Schwartz, M.D., cardiologist

Eric Schwartz’s commitment to patient care and dedication to running the electrophysiology lab at Howard County General Hospital are second to none. He significantly facilitated cardiac procedures at the hospital, enabling numerous patients to get a pacemaker without needing to transfer to an outside hospital.

Victor McKay, M.D.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital: Victor McKay, M.D., neonatologist, medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, regional medical director for the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Neonatology System

As a member of the neonatology division for nearly two decades, Victor McKay contributed to steadying the division during transition and readily accepted the role of regional medical director. He assisted the Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Institute in reducing clinical practice variation through the Clinical Practice Guideline Initiative.

Michael Fingerhood, M.D.

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center: Michael Fingerhood, M.D., internist and addictions medicine specialist

Michael Fingerhood developed numerous programs to improve outcomes related to substance abuse. Working with the emergency department, he meets patients at an acute point of care and transitions them to outpatient services. Fingerhood forged a partnership with Baltimore City Health Department to reduce and treat sexually transmitted disease, and he has a new collaboration with Baltimore City for individuals who are being released from the detention center.

Denisse Mueller, M.D.

Johns Hopkins Community Physicians: Denisse Mueller, M.D., pediatrician, office medical director of pediatrics at East Baltimore Medical Center

Denisse Mueller leads a group of clinicians and staff members who provide outstanding care to our most vulnerable pediatric patients. She guided a scheduling initiative of open access at East Baltimore Medical Center, which not only improved access but also reduced no-show rates by 10 percent! Despite many challenges, her clinicians have some of the highest quality metric and patient engagement scores within JHCP.

Derek Fine, M.D.

The Johns Hopkins Hospital: Derek Fine, M.D., nephrologist

Recognized by faculty in many departments for his expertise in nephrology, Derek Fine was instrumental in overhauling the nephrology consultation service, merging fellows and faculty from The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with the goal of ensuring 24/7 access to nephrology expertise, which is vital in managing critically ill hospitalized patients.

Andrei Cernea, M.D.

Sibley Memorial Hospital: Andrei Cernea, M.D., anesthesiologist

Andrei Cernea leads a number of services, including the outpatient ECT program. Overseeing his department’s role has been essential to the maintenance of the busy ECT service.

Pamela Wright, M.D.

Suburban Hospital: Pamela Wright, M.D., breast surgeon, medical director of the Suburban Hospital Breast Center

Pamela Wright exemplifies the three pillars of the Johns Hopkins mission: education, research and patient care. She teaches the Johns Hopkins breast fellows, participates in research as the principal investigator for the NCI Alliance Trial and performs community outreach by speaking at numerous events in the area.