Inaugural Michael Edelstein, M.D. Physician Humanitarian Award Granted to Two Sheppard Pratt Health System Physicians on Doctor's Day

BALTIMORE, MD, April 04, 2014 (Press-News.org) This month, Sheppard Pratt Health System announced a new award opportunity - the Michael Edelstein, M.D. Physician Humanitarian Award. Created in honor of the late Dr. Michael Edelstein, a dedicated Sheppard Pratt staff member and physician from 1984-2012, the award recognizes physicians who dedicate their time to fulfilling the needs of patients, colleagues and friends in a selfless and extraordinary way, as well as provides a $500 donation to the Patient Care Fund under the winner's name. Sheppard Pratt Health System is honored to announce the award's first recipients, Dr. Jason Addison, Service Chief of Sheppard Pratt's Young Adult Unit and Dr. Dennis Kutzer, Service Chief of Sheppard Pratt's Adult Specialty Unit.

Dr. Addison graduated from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, before coming to Sheppard Pratt in 2007. It is here that he was recognized for continuously going above and beyond for his patients to deliver the best possible care and also became a staff favorite among his colleagues for his cheery, welcoming persona. Dr. Addison is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Maryland Psychiatric Society and chairs Sheppard Pratt's Medical Executive Committee.

Dr. Kutzer graduated from and completed his residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has been working in clinical psychiatry since 1981. In his time at Sheppard Pratt, Dr. Kutzer has been recognized as a collaborative, compassionate physician with a wonderful sense of humor, and is also known as a great support system for staff and patients alike. He has held academic positions at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, published several publications and frequently served as a speaker on psychiatric topics.

"The Michael Edelstein, M.D. Physician Humanitarian Award is intended to be an annual commemoration of Dr. Edelstein, and a reminder of his deep concern for all people that he encountered each day, as well as his unparalleled desire to touch many lives in a positive way," says Robert Roca, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs at Sheppard Pratt Health System. "Doctors Addison and Kutzer are exemplary examples of Dr. Edelstein's spirit and like him, utilize their compassion and empathy to shape the lives of others."

More than 25 physicians were nominated for the internal award by Health System colleagues; the winners were chosen by Sheppard Pratt's Medical Executive Committee.

About Sheppard Pratt Health System
Sheppard Pratt Health System, in operation since 1891, is a nationally renowned mental health and special education system, dedicated to treatment, professional training and research. With its outstanding psychiatric residency training program, the Health System is a proven leader in mental health education, ranking among the top mental health hospitals in America by U.S. News & World Report for the 23rd consecutive year. Sheppard Pratt continues to expand its continuum of care for children, adolescents, adults and older adults, introducing new treatment modalities in locations throughout the Baltimore region and the state.