Three Outstanding Illinois Physicians Recognized
April 8, 2024
Jann Ingmire, 312-580-9802
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
Described by her patients as a truly extraordinary doctor who always goes above and beyond, Susan Sirota, M.D., is the recipient of the 2024 Physician of the Year award. Dr. Sirota is passionate about educating her patients and their families, which makes them feel as if they are true partners in the medical care journey. She is one of the founders of Pediatric Partners and the Chairperson of the Board of Managers of PediaTrust, the largest independent pediatric practice in Illinois. Dr. Sirota has been caring for children in and around Highland Park and Vernon Hills for more than 25 years.
Physician Leader of the Year
Recognized for her extraordinary leadership in Chicago medicine for many years, Shikha Jain, M.D., is the recipient of the ISMS Physician Leader of the Year award. Dr. Jain is the co-founder of IMPACT (Illinois Medical Professionals Action Collaborative Team), a nonprofit organization of health professionals fighting scientific misinformation in the media, as well as a founder of the nonprofit organization Women in Medicine and cofounder and chair of the annual Women in Medicine Summit. She serves on several boards, has published in major peer-reviewed journals and is a well-regarded presenter. Dr. Jain practices in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Illinois Cancer Center in Chicago.
Volunteer Physician of the Year
Citing her efforts to prevent violence against women and human trafficking in Illinois through education programs and advocacy, Traci Armer Kurtzer, M.D., is the 2024 recipient of the ISMS Volunteer Physician of the Year. She also volunteers with Doctors for America, heading their gun violence prevention program. Dr. Kurtzer’s long-time volunteer activities that use innovative ways to improve public health are in addition to her role as medical director for Trauma Informed Care and Education for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
ISMS recognizes physicians in these award categories every year at its annual meeting for members. These awards were created to recognize and show appreciation for individual Illinois physicians for their commitment to serving their patients and community. If you know of an Illinois physician who should be nominated for a future award, please contact membership@isms.org.
Illinois physicians in all medical specialties, and their patients, statewide.