Dr. Bob Zelazo, the Medical Director of the Northern Tier Center for Health (NOTCH), was honored with the fifth annual Deogracias “Deo” P. Esguerra, MD Service Award at Northwestern Medical Center’s Medical Staff Appreciation Dinner held October 23, 2015.

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

Jill Berry Bowen, NMC’s Chief Executive Officer, called Dr. Zelazo a fitting addition to the group of esteemed honorees who earned the award in years past, a list that includes Dr. Chip Chiappinelli, Dr. Fred Holmes, Dr. Frank Zsoldos, and Dr. Michael Corrigan.

In presenting the award, NMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lowrey Sullivan honored Dr. Zelazo’s commitment to the health of our community, including his many years in private practice and his directorship of the NOTCH’s six medical clinic locations, two dental clinics and pharmacy.

Dr. Zelazo was also lauded for his dedication to the NMC Medical Staff, as he has served on many hospital committees and been an active participant at the Medical Staff table.  Dr. Zelazo has also been a long standing performer on the Cardiac Capers stage, helping to raise funds to support the NMC Auxiliary.  In addition, he performs regularly with his bagpipes in countless local parades and events, and shares his singing voice at NMC and other local venues with a barbershop quartet. 

Dr. Zelazo’s wife Sandy, their daughter Tatiana and her family participated in the award ceremony which took place at the Bliss Auditorium in the St. Albans Historical Museum. Bowen and Dr. Sullivan were joined in presenting the award to Dr. Zelazo by NMC’s Board President, John Hango, and previous award recipients Dr. Frank Zsoldos, Dr. Fred Holmes and Dr. Mike Corrigan.

In addition to the presentation of the Deogracias “Deo” P. Esguerra, MD Service Award, NMC’s Annual Medical Staff Appreciation Dinner featured the introduction of new providers, celebrated accomplishments and highlights from the year, and recognized physicians and advance practice clinicians who have achieved milestones in length of service during the year.

“This event provides us an opportunity each year to pause and thank our physicians and advance practice providers for all their exceptional work throughout the year,” said NMC CEO Jill Berry Bowen. “Congratulations to Dr. Zelazo on for this much-deserved honor.”