Pulmonologist Sherif Al-Farra has been named the Physician of the Year at JPS Health Network for 2019.
Dr. Al-Farra specializes in sleep issues. He’s created a sleep study program at JPS where more than 1,000 patients a year can find help, sometimes alleviating a long term health problem in one or two days.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve patient care,” Al-Farra said. “And sleep programs are something that have been under-recognized. Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems including heart attacks and strokes.”
Dr. Steve Davis, Senior Physician Executive, Internal Medicine said it’s amazing how quickly Al-Farra has turned an idea to open a sleep clinic into a working facility that is offering exciting results to patients.
“The inaugural winner of the Internal Medicine physician of the month, Sherif embodies the qualities we all strive for: passion for patient care, an enthusiasm for teaching, and a drive to improve processes,” Davis said. “He has improved the access for patients with sleep apnea, and has been instrumental in developing the sleep program to help as many patients as possible. Further, he is a leader in the department focusing on strategy and research. He is actively engaged – and has been for years – with the curriculum at University of North Texas.”
In addition to decreasing risk for heart attacks and strokes, improving patients’ sleep quality can lessen the likelihood that they gain weight, develop type 2 diabetes, suffer from acid reflux or have asthma attacks.
“It is wonderful to be able to make a difference in peoples’ lives,” Al-Ferra said. “I want to thank all of my colleagues who help to make what we do possible. No one person could do it by themselves.”
DNP Rachel Stewart, who treats patients with liver disease, has been named Advanced Practice Provider of the year for 2019.
“Rachel continues to deliver care to patients with liver disease, while advocating within the hepatitis medical community and providing leadership in local organizations,” Davis said. “Further, she has coordinated research efforts to improve the care of this vulnerable population.”
Stewart said it’s an exciting time to be able to work with hepatitis patients because huge advancements in treating the disease have been happening recently.
“Up until a few years ago, we were limited in what we could do to help people,” Stewart said. “But since about 2013 things have really changed. Now hepatitis is about 97 percent curable. Every day and every case is different. But it’s rewarding to be able to find solutions for our patients and help them.
We're always looking for ways to improve patient care.
Pulmonary/Critical Care Physician Razaq Badamosi won the Physician Excellence in Teaching honor.
“Dr. Badamosi offers consistent encouragement of the house staff and nursing staff at every level of training, from students through to final-year residents,” Davis said. “Further, he seeks to teach colleagues, and to learn from all of these groups, in an effort to improve the educational experience for all – and to make every experience educational.”
Badamosi said he was touched to be honored. But he said having the opportunity to help residents and other team members learn is a reward in itself.
“My job is very rewarding,” Badamosi said. “I’m very surprised to receive this honor. When I saw the list of wonderful professionals I was up against, I didn’t think I had a chance.”
While it seems as if a doctor would have his hands full in a critical care environment just taking care of patients, Badamosi said that’s actually the best time to teach students.
“There is no better time to learn than when it is all in front of you,” Badamosi said. “There is no better teacher than the patient.”