MDAdvantage Sponsors New Jersey's Most Prestigious “Excellence in Medicine” Awards

Lawrenceville, NJ, May 22, 2009 --(PR.com)-- A group of outstanding New Jerseyans were lauded on May 6 when the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Awards® honored healthcare leaders. These coveted awards are among the highest honors given in New Jersey’s medical community. The black tie gala was held at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

MDAdvantage, a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance in New Jersey, sponsors the state’s longest-running medical awards program to recognize New Jersey’s healthcare efforts. "New Jersey is home to some of the finest physicians, medical facilities and treatment and education centers in the world. It takes many dedicated people to keep New Jersey’s healthcare at this world-class level," said Patricia A. Costante, chairman and CEO of MDAdvantage. "At MDAdvantage, we believe that the best of the best should be recognized for their outstanding efforts. We are proud to recognize those who give so much."

The 2009 awardees included:

Edward J. Ill Physician’s Award®: Kenneth G. Swan, MD

Peter W. Rodino, Jr., Citizen’s Award®: Fred M. Jacobs, MD, JD

Outstanding Medical Educator Award: Nagaswami S. Vasan, DVM, PhD

Outstanding Medical Executive Award: Gary S. Carter, FACHE

Verice M. Mason Community Service Leader Award: John W. Beckley, MPH on behalf of Hunterdon County Partnership for Health

Outstanding Medical Research Scientist Award for Clinical Research: Joseph R. Bertino, MD

Outstanding Medical Research Scientist Award for Basic Biomedical Research: Aaron J. Shatkin, PhD

Special Award given for achievements in protecting the people of New Jersey from unnecessary exposure to radiation from natural and man-made sources: Jill A. Lipoti, PhD

Paul J. Hirsch, MD, Chairman of the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Foundation, stated, "Seventy years after the first Edward J. Ill award was bestowed, we reflect upon distinguished and dedicated healthcare leaders throughout the years who have devoted their lives toward improving medicine and patient care. He also stated, "On behalf of all of this year’s attendees and supporters, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to this year’s award recipients. It is my privilege and honor to pay tribute to your many achievements and accomplishments."

Each year, the profits of the dinner are donated to worthwhile charities across New Jersey. Through this year’s fundraising efforts, the Foundation was able to support two worthy organizations. Phyllis Dunlop represented the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which received a check for $22,000. Additionally, Joetta Clark Diggs accepted a check in the amount of $18,000 to use towards her Sport’s Foundation’s Head 2 Toe Program.

The Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2010 awards program. The deadline for nominations is September 18, 2009. For more information on the awards program and the nomination process, visit www.EJIawards.org.

For more information on this year’s honorees and their perspectives on healthcare, see the Spring 2009 issue of MDAdvisor: A Journal for the New Jersey Medical Community (www.MDAdvantageonline.com/MDAdvisor).

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