ChristianaCare Medical-Dental Staff Honors Outstanding Physicians

The ChristianaCare Medical-Dental Staff recently recognized the exceptional contributions and achievements of its members at its annual banquet and awards ceremony at Deerfield Golf Club in Wilmington, Delaware. "Your role in creating a healthier world is more important than ever so that our neighbors and community can flourish,” said Barbara Albani, M.D., president of the Medical-Dental Staff. “I would like to express my gratitude for the hard work and dedication you bring to the medical and dental fields. As the only constant is change, your dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our patients is truly inspiring.” The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to distinguished physicians for their outstanding patient care, innovative research, dedication to education and commitment to the ChristianaCare community.

Adam Raben, M.D., chair of Radiation Oncology, received the 2024 Commendation for Excellence Award. He was recognized for his significant contributions to innovation in cancer care, education and research, and the mission of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute since joining in 2003.

With Raben’s leadership, the Graham Cancer Center is home to one of the finest community radiation oncology programs in the country. He led the development of a Radiation Oncology residency program in conjunction with Drexel University and a Medical Physics residency program with Thomas Jefferson University (TJU). He launched a monthly visiting virtual professor lectureship, featuring speakers on translational cancer topics. His innovative approaches led to the formation of a molecular tumor board for the Head and Neck multidisciplinary center . He oversaw the successful effort to earn reaccreditation in the APEx Program for Excellence of the American Society for Radiation Oncology in 2023. Raben consistently advocates for participation in research trials, making the Graham Cancer Center one of the highest accruing community-based programs through NCORP. His team has earned awards in Research Excellence and Top Radiation Oncology Accrual from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. He is recognized nationally for his de-escalation studies in the treatment of head and neck cancers. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. “It goes without saying that Dr. Raben’s compassion and concern for his patients is an inspiration to his peers. He is a beloved role model for the entire cancer center and would make an excellent choice for the award this year," said radiation oncologist Sunjay Shah, M.D., who nominated him.

The Medical-Dental Staff also announced nine Rising Stars — physicians whose outstanding clinical, leadership and teaching achievements have earned high praise from their department head, service line leaders and other colleagues. Here are excerpts from their nominations:

Leif-Erik Bohman, M.D., a neurosurgeon with Delaware Neurosurgical Group, joined the Medical-Dental Staff at ChristianaCare in 2015. He is medical director of the Spine Program and the unit-based medical director for 7E. “Dr. Bohman’s leadership has proven invaluable in systemwide work to address spine surgical site infections, patient flow on 7E, and many other service line initiatives,” said Matthew Rubino, M.D., MBA, FACS, chair of the Department of Surgery.

Ben Golden, M.D., completed his residency training in a combined emergency medicine and family medicine program at ChristianaCare in 2021. He is the first physician from ChristianaCare to provide longitudinal, complex primary care at the New Castle County Hope Center, which provides temporary housing. “Dr. Golden is enthusiastic about teaching the next generation of physicians about the unique aspects of caring for our unhoused neighbors," said Erin Kavanaugh, M.D., FAAFP, chair of Family and Community Medicine.

Assaf Graif, M.D., completed his radiology residency and interventional radiology fellowship at ChristianaCare in 2017. He has published 17 articles in highly respected peer-reviewed journals and he serves as an associate editor of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. "Dr. Graif dedicates significant time to research and scholarly activities," said his nominator, Vinay Gheyi, M.D., chair of Radiology.

Sarah Hall, M.D., MS, joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology five years ago. She excels in complex family planning and major surgery and treats both patients and staff as her own family. "In her role as a clinician, Dr. Hall has truly excelled," said Matthew Hoffman, M.D., MPH, the Marie E. Pinizzotto, M.D., Endowed Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ChristianaCare. “Her passion for teaching is evident in her supportive approach, guiding residents through complex decision-making rather than simply providing answers.”

Steven Kramer, M.D., joined the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in 2018. He serves as the medical director of Flow Cytometry and as the quality control pathologist for tissue procurement at the Graham Cancer Center. "Dr. Kramer is the ultimate team-player within the department," said Mary Iacocca, M.D., chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. “Dr. Kramer is an example of a young physician dedicated to not just building his own career, but generously dedicating his knowledge, skills and time to supporting the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and to improving patient care throughout the entire organization.”

Vanessa Patel, M.D., was appointed medical director of Outpatient Behavioral Health in 2022 after joining ChristianaCare in 2019 as an outpatient psychiatrist. "Dr. Patel exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader through her exceptional clinical work, mentorship and collaborative initiatives," said Mustfa Mufti, M.D., chair of Psychiatry.

Christopher Rogan, M.D., completed his emergency medicine residency at ChristianaCare and became associate medical director of the Christiana Hospital Emergency Department in 2018. He currently serves as the medical director of Critical Care Transport. His nomination highlighted "Dr. Rogan’s industriousness, team approach to innovation and dedication to excellence show in everything he tackles."

Arvind Sabesan, M.D., is chief of the Section of Surgical Oncology at the Graham Cancer Center. He directs both the Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic and the Melanoma/Sarcoma multidisciplinary centers. "Dr. Sabesan is an excellent physician, teacher and researcher with expertise in the treatment and management of patients with complex oncologic malignancies," said Nicholas Petrelli, M.D., director of the Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research at the Graham Cancer Center.

Shannon Wilton, D.O., graduated from ChristianaCare’s Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program in 2020 and serves as the medical director of quality and safety for the Acute Medicine Service Line. "Her curiosity and enthusiasm remain amongst her key strengths driving her success," said Vinay Maheshwari, M.D., MHCDS, the Hugh R. Sharp Jr. Endowed Chair of Medicine.