Three Outstanding Illinois Physicians Recognized

CHICAGO – The outstanding contributions and commitment of three Illinois physicians were recognized by the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) during its annual meeting this past weekend. The doctors are recipients of awards that celebrate the achievements of Illinois physicians in the fields of medicine, education, advocacy and volunteering. This is the second year of the awards program, and we are pleased to have three women physicians recognized among the many quality nominations received.

Physician of the Year
A highly respected person who exemplifies leadership, expertise and a deep commitment to both the medical and legal fields, Pavi Gill, M.D., J.D., is the recipient of the 2025 ISMS Physician of the Year award. Dr. Gill is the medical director of Springfield Clinic, Taylorville, and is known for his good clinical judgment and bedside manner. He is also praised for his generosity in mentoring the next generation of medical professionals.

Physician Leader of the Year
Described as an extraordinary advocate and leader in patient-centered care, Aaron Newcomb, D.O., is the recipient of the 2025 ISMS Physician Leader of the Year award. Dr. Newcomb has been a pivotal force in addressing the opioid epidemic—pioneering the use of buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder in the Southern Illinois region, delivering continuing medical education on controlled substance prescribing at local, state, and national levels, publishing advocacy articles in national peer-reviewed journals and working tirelessly to dismantle stigma through partnerships with organizations like ISMS to drive healthcare reform. Dr. Newcomb’s invaluable service has extended well beyond Shawnee Health Services, a rural Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), where he has practiced for many years and serves as the medical director for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program.

Volunteer Physician of the Year
For more than 25 years, Kuhn Hong, M.D., has been a volunteer physician reading x-rays and diagnostic images for free at the Lawndale Christian Health Center on Chicago’s west side. Dr. Hong’s passion for servicing the medical needs around the world and sharing his more than 50 years of experience where it is most needed is why he is the recipient of the 2025 ISMS Volunteer Physician of the Year. Since his retirement in 2013, he has been actively serving in short term missions both in the U.S. and overseas in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and South America.