Hershey Medical Center names Rakszawski 2022 Physician of the Year

Hershey Medical Center presented Dr. Kevin Rakszawski with the 2022 Physician of the Year award during a National Doctors’ Day ceremony in the Penn State Cancer Institute lobby on March 30. Attendees included Hershey Medical Center leadership, Penn State Cancer Institute team members and colleagues.
“It is my honor to present the 2022 Physician of the Year award to Dr. Rakszawski,” said Dr. Sarah Iriana, who has since stepped down as Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center senior vice president and chief medical officer. “Team members consistently emphasize the trusted guidance and support they receive from Dr. Rakszawski as they partner in the delivery of advanced oncology care. In addition, his patient-focused approach and expertise help Penn State Health meet its mission to improve the well-being of our patients through education, research and compassionate care.”
“It is an honor to receive this award and have the support of my Penn State Health colleagues,” said Rakszawski. “It is, truly, an important recognition of everyone who plays a role on the Cancer Institute team. Together, we make a difference in the care of our patients.”
Rakszawski is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and vice chair of quality and patient safety in the Penn State Cancer Institute. Rakszawski’s nominees noted that he is:
- Focused on enhancing the overall care experience for both patients and clinicians
- Committed to advancing oncology care by improving clinical documentation and refining clinical competence
- Dedicated to working in multidisciplinary teams to decrease infection rates in patients with central lines
- Invested in fostering the growth of new physicians through academic coaching
Rakszawski completed his medical degree at Penn State College of Medicine and both his internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at Hershey Medical Center. He has received several awards and honors, including the 2022 Penn State College of Medicine Exceptional Moments in Teaching Award (Humanities), 2022 Pennsylvania Medical Society Top Physicians Under 40, 2021 Penn State College of Medicine Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and 2015-2016 Hershey Medical Center Resident Research Award.
Faculty and employees were invited to vote for this year’s award recipient, selecting from 11 physicians who were honored with the Physician of the Month award in 2022. Other nominees included:
- Errol Aksu
- Scott Armen
- J. Brian Clark
- Michael Deutsch
- Brian Green
- M. Paula Henao
- Walter Koltun
- Kathryn McGillen
- John Potochny
- Mary Ellen Wilson
To nominate a colleague for Hershey Medical Center Physician of the Month, visit the PAWS UP! Rewards and Recognition Program on the Infonet.
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