By Irene Maslowski
Carrying forward a longstanding tradition of recognizing exceptional physicians and leaders in healthcare, MDAdvantage Insurance Company of New Jersey (www.MDAdvantageonline.com) today announced the 2011 honorees for the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Awards® (www.EJIawards.org).
The Excellence in Medicine Awards are named after Edward J. Ill, MD, a New Jersey physician who was a pioneer in promoting continuing education in ways that set the national standard. Every year since 1939, exemplary New Jersey physicians and leaders whose dedication to education, research and public service have significantly impacted the delivery of healthcare in the state and around the nation have been honored. This annual event has been sponsored by MDAdvantage Insurance Company of New Jersey since 2003.
Patricia A. Costante, Chairman and CEO of MDAdvantage, stated, “At a time when there is so much uncertainty surrounding the pending healthcare reform and an anticipated physician shortage, it is gratifying to have an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary accomplishments made by physicians and other healthcare thought leaders in New Jersey. MDAdvantage is honored to sponsor this prestigious event.”
The 2011 awardees are:
• Edward J. Ill Physician’s Award®: Mark Jay Zucker, MD, JD,
Director, Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Clinical Professor of Medicine at UMDNJn New Jersey Medical School.
• Peter W. Rodino, Jr., Citizen’s Award®: Shirley M. Tilghman, PhD,
President, Princeton University.
• Verice M. Mason Community Service Leader Award: Deborah M. Spitalnik, PhD,
Professor of Pediatrics and Executive Director, The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at UMDNJ- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, on behalf of The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities.
• Outstanding Medical Educator Award: Sylvia Christakos, PhD,
Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
• Outstanding Medical Executive Award: Judith M. Persichilli, RN, BSN, MA,
President & CEO, Catholic Health East.
• Outstanding Medical Research Scientist Award for Clinical Research:
Stephen F. Lowry, MD, MBA,
Professor, Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Senior Associate Dean for Education, UMDNJ n Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
• Outstanding Medical Research Scientist Award for Basic Biomedical Research: Masayori Inouye, PhD, Distinguished Professor, UMDNJ- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Paul J. Hirsch, MD, Chairman of the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Foundation, stated, “We are humbled by the accomplishments of this year’s honorees, and are looking forward to an outstanding awards program. Once again, profits from the event will be dedicated to fund scholarships to improve access to healthcare for New Jersey residents—an extremely worthy cause. In 2010 the Foundation donated $30,000 in scholarships, and we anticipate expanding our fundraising efforts further in the upcoming year.”
The Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Foundation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Excellence in Medicine Scholarship Honor Roll. The Foundation proudly recognizes Kern, Augustine, Conroy & Schoppmann, PC as the lead contributor.
This year’s awards will be presented at the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Awards ceremony on May 4, 2011 at Green Acres Country Club in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. To purchase tickets or advertisements for the event, to make a contribution or to learn more about the awards, contact the Edward J. Ill Excellence in Medicine Foundation at 609-803-2350 or visit www.EJIawards.org.
The awards program is sponsored by MDAdvantage Insurance Company of New Jersey, a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance in New Jersey. For more information on MDAdvantage, call 888-355-5551 or visit www.MDAdvantageonline.com.

