HonorHealth recently celebrated National Doctors’ Day by honoring our exceptional physicians who exemplify our values and demonstrate outstanding dedication to patient care, leadership and community service. Awards were given to select physicians based on nominations from fellow team members, recognizing the remarkable contributions our physicians make every day to improve the health and well-being of our patients and communities.

HonorHealth recognizes physician excellence at Tempe Medical Center’s Physician Recognition Awards ceremony

President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement

Honoring physicians with 15 or more years of service at HonorHealth, this award recognizes outstanding clinical standards, leadership, communication and compassionate care. Recipients have made a lasting impact, fostering a positive workplace while upholding HonorHealth’s mission and values.

• Eric Novack, MD, orthopedic sports medicine, HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center
• Roozbeh Rassadi, MD, general surgery, HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center
• Kurtis Staples, MD, orthopedic surgery, HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center
• Jennifer Simone, MD, gynecology, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
• Sharon Johnston, MD, anesthesiology, HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center
• Francisco Pena, MD, family medicine, HonorHealth Medical Group

Citizenship and Community Service Award

This award honors physicians who go above and beyond in their commitment to public service, outreach, volunteer leadership and innovative community solutions. Their dedication to social responsibility and measurable contributions set them apart as community champions.

• Yehia Elebrashi, DPM, podiatry, HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center
• Sadaf Jamil, DO, hospitalist, HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center
• Chintan Mehta, MD, hospitalist, HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center
• Dana Sall, MD, internal medicine, HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center
• Lewis Albert Andres, MD, plastic surgery, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
• William Stevens, MD, spine surgery, HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center
• Edward Aranas, DO, family medicine, HonorHealth Medical Group

Award winners celebrated at Deer Valley Medical Center’s Physician Recognition Awards ceremony

Distinguished Medical Service

Recognizing physicians with three or more years of service, this award celebrates excellence in medicine or surgery, mentorship, communication and patient care. Recipients exemplify HonorHealth values and promote collaboration.

• Sean Marco, MD, pulmonary critical care, HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center
• Joseph Sucher, MD, trauma surgery, HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center
• Zeena Merchant, DO, emergency medicine, HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center
• Aditya Gupta, MD, pulmonary critical care, HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center
• Robert Riley, MD, cardio thoracic surgery, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
• Thomas Beer, MD, anesthesiology, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
• Jose Machain Palacio, MD, gastroenterology, HonorHealth Medical Group, HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center
• Brendan Curley, DO, hematology oncology, HonorHealth Medical Group, HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Group
• Ned Sciortino, DO, anesthesiology, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center
• Dwight Clarke, MD, infectious disease, HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center

Dwight Clarke, MD, recipient of the Distinguished Medical Service Award at Tempe Medical Center

Rising Physician Leader

Recognizing physicians within eight years post-training, this award highlights excellence in patient care, leadership and innovation. Recipients drive efficiency, model professionalism and show strong initiative for continuous growth.

• Indraneil Ray, MD, cardiology, HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center
• Ariyah Yeskel, MD, anesthesiology, HonorHealth Deer Valley Medical Center
• Abhishiek Sharma, MD, neurosurgery, HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center
• Daniel Hannon, DO, hospitalist, HonorHealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Medical Center
• Abraham Kanate, MD, medical oncology and hematology oncology, HonorHealth Medical Group, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
• Jeremy Rowlett, MD, emergency medicine, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
• Jason Low, MD, interventional radiology, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
• Arooj Kayani, MD, pulmonary critical care, HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center
• Michael Ravelo, MD, CMO, HonorHealth Urgent Care, HonorHealth Medical Group
• Alejandro Pineda, MD, internal medicine, HonorHealth Mountain Vista Medical Center

The award ceremonies took place across all HonorHealth medical centers from Tuesday, April 1 to Friday, April 4. These physicians embody the spirit of medical excellence that defines HonorHealth and inspires us all.

To all our physicians: Your expertise, compassion and collaboration are the foundation of our healthcare system, and we’re grateful for your service and commitment.

For full award criteria, view the Physician Recognition Awards criteria PDF.