2020 Distinguished Physician awardees get virtual spotlight for significant achievements

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., August 11, 2021–Six Spectrum Health physicians, including a Lifetime Achievement recipient, are getting their moment to shine now after last year’s Annual Distinguished Physician Society Awards Ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Each year, we recognize an elite group of physicians who are nominated and selected by their fellow physicians at Spectrum Health,” said Darryl Elmouchi, MD, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan. “Through their words and actions every day, they live our values. The following individuals have committed themselves to improve health, inspire hope and save lives in remarkable ways through their work with patients, colleagues and students. Together, they leave a tremendous legacy of mentorship and teaching that will be passed down to multiple generations of physicians.”

In a series of online tributes and acceptance speeches, which went live today, the videos highlight the extraordinary contributions made by each physician in patient care, as well as dedicated service to Spectrum Health.

The 2020 recipients are:

Emeritus Lifetime Achievement Award: Larry Robson, MD, Vascular Surgery [video]

Nominated and introduced by M. Ashraf Mansour, MD, Vascular Surgery

The first formal vascular surgeon in Grand Rapids, Dr. Robson is considered a pioneer who established this specialty in West Michigan. Now retired, he was a master surgeon recognized throughout Michigan and the Midwest. Many surgeons who trained under him continue to be guided by his techniques and teachings. Dr. Robson grew up in Grand Rapids and returned to give back generously to his community.

Barbara Wynn, MD, Emergency Medicine [video]

Nominated and introduced by Kenneth Johnson, MD, Emergency Medicine

Dr. Wynn is defined by resiliency. She completed her Emergency Medicine training in Chicago and forged her own trail at a time when she was one of few women in her field. Her legacy includes establishing the SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) program that connects sexual assault patients with the YWCA for treatment of physical, mental and emotional needs.

Jeri Kessenich, MD, Pediatric Hospitalist [video]

Nominated and introduced by Dominic Sanfilippo, MD, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

Dr. Kessenich defines compassion. Throughout her career, she has provided excellent patient care by leading with her heart. A master clinician, educator and mentor, she is founding director of Spectrum Health’s hospitalist fellowship. She has dedicated 26 years to pediatric patients at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital as well as children in Haiti through her mission work.

John Visser, MD, Neurology [video]

Nominated and introduced by Timothy Thoits, MD, Neurology

When he started at Butterworth Hospital, Dr. Visser ‘took call’ every other night and every other weekend for seven years, covering Butterworth Hospital, Blodgett Hospital, Saint Mary’s, Mary Free Bed and Kent Community, for adult and pediatric neurology. His residents, known as ‘Dr. Visser residents,’ have been the envy of their peers. He continues to provide exceptional care to his patients and make significant contributions within the health system.

Thomas Wright, DO, Family Medicine [video]

Nominated and introduced by Chris Skinner, MD, Hospitalist

Dr. Wright has been giving back to the Big Rapids community for more than 20 years, first as family medicine physician then as the regional primary care team leader. When he saw the need for providing care to those who were uninsured or didn’t have access, he developed the Hope House, a free medical clinic in Big Rapids. It stands as one of his greatest legacies to the community.

Leslie (Les) Wong, MD, Hand and Microvascular Surgery [video]

Nominated and introduced by Brandon Wong, MD, Pediatric Anesthesiology

A native of Jamaica, Dr. Wong came to the U.S. after medical school for his surgery training. In West Michigan, he found a welcoming community and fit right in with the team at Butterworth Hospital. Dr. Wong has continued to share his surgery expertise through teaching.

Since 1997, the Distinguished Physician Society has recognized 104 active and retired physicians with 20-plus years of service for their clinical practice and leadership.

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