Dr. Katie Montagne, Anesthesiologist, was honored with the Deogracias “Deo” P. Esguerra, MD Service Award at NMC’s Medical Staff Appreciation event held in October.

The award was created in 2011 to honor a provider with a “passion for excellence and dedication to the patients of our community.” Its namesake, Dr. Esguerra, was known as a caring, passionate and inspirational physician who loved both the science and art of medicine.

“I always joke that being an anesthesiologist means that if you do a good job your patients won’t remember you.  With that in mind, I like to tell jokes to distract the adult patients and encourage the whole operating room to join in on “The Wheels on the Bus” or “Down by the Bay” for the young patients. When you work so hard at making the experience so smooth and “forgettable” it’s quite a surprise to know your peers and colleagues recognize and appreciate your efforts. To be chosen for the “Deo” award is such an honor. The memory of Dr Esguerra and the award given in his name are held in such high esteem. I really hope he’s smiling down in approval of my methods for distraction in lieu of anxiolytics. Receiving this award has certainly reinforced my commitment to helping make NMC the best it can be,” Dr. Montagne says.

Peter Wright, Chief Executive Officer of NMC, said, “We are grateful for the commitment, dedication, and leadership Dr. Montagne has and continues to provide NMC and the patients we serve. I am enjoying working and partnering with her each and every day. And to be recognized by one’s peers is truly a heartwarming experience.”

Dr. Montagne joins a list of “Deo Award” honors that that includes Dr. Fred Holmes, Dr. Frank Zsoldos, Dr. Mike Corrigan, Dr. Chip Chiappinelli, Dr. Robert Zelazo, Dr. Stephen Payne, Dr. Toby Sadkin, Dr. John Minadeo, Dr. Robert Beattie, Dr. Lowery Sullivan, and Dr. Laura Bellstrom, and Dr. Louis Dandurand.

This year’s Medical Staff Appreciation event was held in person at Maquam Barn and Winery in Milton. During the meeting, new providers were recognized, and physicians and advance practice providers who achieved milestones in length of service were also honored.

Three additional physicians were recognized for their leadership during the presentation Katie Shattuck, PNP earned the Clinical and Cultural Excellence Award, and Dr. Kahren Aydinyan, DO earned the Leadership Award.

PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Katie Montagne accepted the “Deo” P. Esguerra, MD Service Award from last year’s honoree, Dr. Louis Dandurand, and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Wright, at the Maquam Barn and Winery.