Dr. Steve Payne, a surgeon with Northwestern Medical Surgical Associates was honored with the fourth annual Deogracias “Deo” P. Esguerra, MD Service Award at Northwestern Medical Center’s Medical Staff Appreciation Dinner held in November.

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.

Jill Berry Bowen, NMC’s Chief Executive Officer, said Dr. Payne was a particularly fitting recipient of the award because he worked so closely with Dr. Esguerra for so many years, considering him a mentor, colleague and a friend. Dr. Payne joins a list of “Deo Award” honors that that includes Dr. Fred Holmes, Dr. Frank Zsoldos, Dr. Mike Corrigan and Dr. Robert Zelazo.

In presenting the award, NMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lowrey Sullivan outlined an impressive list of accomplishments for Dr. Payne who joined the NMC Medical Staff in 1988. Dr. Payne has been Chief of the department of Surgery as well as President of the Medical staff and been an NMC Incorporator since 1996.

Beyond his commitment to the medical staff, Dr. Payne also served as a Case Manager for the Vermont State Medical Society Practitioners Health Program, acted as a Certified Instructor for ACLS Advanced Trauma Life Support, and was named the Vermont District One EMS Physician of the Year in 1991 and 1996.

In addition to his medical accomplishments, Dr. Payne was also recognized as a talented author, having published Riding My Guitar – The Rick Norcross Story, and most recently, Ties that Bind Us – A Collection of Vermont Short Stories.

Dr. Payne was unable to attend the event in person, but joined the crowd via internet connection projected onscreen, and graciously accepted the award with thanks.

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.

Dr. Sullivan thanked the providers for attending the event held at the Boyden Farm, and highlighted their critical role in the hospital community. “As a provider, I consider myself incredibly lucky to be listed along with this group, on the roster of our medical staff,” said Sullivan.