Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to present the quarterly ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, recognizing outstanding leadership across the organization. The third recipient of 2026, and the fifth overall honoree since the award’s inception, is Diane Loftus, Director of Pharmacy.
A Samaritan employee since 2021, Loftus was nominated by several colleagues who praised her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to her employees, the organization and the community. They noted her success in strengthening the pharmacy team through engagement, collaboration and accountability, while leading significant initiatives such as the launch of Samaritan CareRx, the organization’s specialty pharmacy, and the hospital-wide Omnicell medication management system implementation. Colleagues also highlighted her commitment to community outreach through programs such as Scrubs Club, where she helps educate and inspire local students. Together, these efforts reflect Samaritan’s HEART values and make her a deserving recipient of the ELM Award.
Loftus was presented with the ELM Award on October 8 and celebrated by her coworkers and family.
The ELM Award honors Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values: honesty, empathy, accountability, respect and trust. Unlike the DAISY, BEE and OWL awards, which recognize employees in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support exceptional care through their leadership.
These individuals foster safe and supportive work environments, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly and cultivate teamwork, resilience and recognition. They create cultures where compassion thrives, enabling staff to provide patients, residents and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff and peers, recipients must have at least one year of service with Samaritan and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration and commitment to continuous learning. The ELM Award is presented quarterly.
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Diane Loftus
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services—such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services—Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for August 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Haley DelSanto, a registered nurse at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the August DAISY Award. Nominated by a colleague, DelSanto’s actions are a powerful reflection of Samaritan’s HEART values. Whether serving at the bedside or in a charge role, she consistently demonstrates Honesty, Empathy, Accountability, Respect, and Trust in every interaction. Her genuine compassion, unwavering dedication to patient-centered care, and ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others have left a lasting impression on both patients and colleagues alike.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, DelSanto received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary, has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
The August BEE Award was shared by several staff members from Samaritan’s Information Services and BioMed departments. Robert Lawrence, Jacob Hammond, Sven Powell, Collin Wood, Jacob Vecchio and Vivian Riddle were nominated by a colleague for their exceptional dedication and commitment responding to a significant event involving hospital technology. Their willingness to go above and beyond ensured a seamless response during a crucial situation, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to supporting patient care and hospital operations. Their efforts exemplify the professionalism, collaboration, and service excellence that are the foundation of Samaritan’s mission.
The BEE awardees received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Samaritan’s August 2026 DAISY Award recipient, Haley DelSanto, RN.
August 2026 BEE Award recipients from Samaritan’s Information Services and BioMed departments, from left: Robert Lawrence, Jacob Hammond, Sven Powell, Collin Wood, Jacob Vecchio, and Vivian Riddle.
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Susan Peters Scholarship: Ashlie Machnaigh and Charlotte Beach, registered nurses in Samaritan’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Machnaigh and Beach are both pursuing their Family Nurse Practitioner degrees.
The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to help cover education costs for registered nurses who are continuing their education, specifically to pursue nurse practitioner degrees. The scholarship awards two $2,000 scholarships each year.
Mrs. Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center as a Certified Oncology Nurse. Prior to that, she served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic, and Alternate Level of Care Units. Susan passed away in 2020.
Nurse Practitioners can provide many of the same services as physicians, including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medication.
Members of the Samaritan Foundation and Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship Committee present scholarship awards to Ashlie Machnaigh, RN, and Charlotte Beach, RN.
From left: Ashlie Machnaigh, RN, and Charlotte Beach, RN, are the recipients of the 2026 Susan Peters Nurse Practitioner Scholarship.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for July 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Brooke Parrow, Registered Nurse, was honored with the July DAISY Award. She was recognized for providing exceptional support and compassionate care to a patient who was anxious about an upcoming procedure. Knowing the patient needed a familiar and reassuring presence, Parrow dedicated her personal time to offering comfort and encouragement throughout the experience. Her commitment to patient-centered care and her compassion serve as an inspiring example of nursing excellence.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Parrow received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Joshua McArdell, Central Staff Scheduler, received the July BEE Award. Nominated by a co-worker, McArdell was highlighted for the small acts of kindness he demonstrates every day. From helping colleagues and patients to helping wherever it is needed, he embodies compassion and professionalism in all he does. His ability to make even the most challenging situations feel manageable has a positive impact on everyone around him. Josh’s dedication, reliability, and commitment to our HEART values make him an invaluable member of our team.
McArdell received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Samaritan’s July 2026 DAISY Award recipient Brooke Parrow, RN (left), and July 2026 BEE Award recipient Joshua McArdell, Central Staff Scheduler.
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to present the quarterly ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, honoring outstanding leadership across the organization. The second recipient for 2026—and the program’s fourth overall honoree—is Tina O’Neil, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Mental Health Services.
A Samaritan employee since 2012, O’Neil was nominated by multiple employees who praised her exceptional leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to those around her. Colleagues described her as intelligent, thoughtful and dependable, with a remarkable ability to remain calm and composed even in the most challenging and high-pressure situations.
Her steady presence provides reassurance to employees during times of crisis, while her knowledge and sound judgment help guide teams through difficult circumstances. Beyond her professional expertise, O’Neil is recognized for the respect and confidence she inspires in others. Her nominators expressed sincere gratitude for the way she leads, communicates and supports those around her, noting that she consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional leader.
Through her actions she has made a lasting difference at Samaritan.
O’Neil was presented with the ELM Award on August 19 and was celebrated by her co-workers and family.
The ELM Award honors exceptional Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values—honesty, empathy, accountability, respect, and trust. Unlike the DAISY, BEE, or OWL Awards, which recognize those in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support care indirectly through their leadership.
These individuals foster safe, supportive environments for staff, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly, and cultivate teamwork, resilience, and recognition. They create settings where compassion thrives, enabling staff to treat patients, residents, and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff or peers, ELM Award recipients have served Samaritan for at least one year and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. The ELM is a quarterly award.
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ELM Award recipient Tina O’Neil, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Mental Health Services
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services—such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services—Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.
Watertown, NY– Samaritan is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the June 2026 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.
At Samaritan Summit Village, Skilled Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Gina Richards was nominated by a co-worker for taking a lead role in the conversion to a new electronic medical records system and for providing exceptional care to co-workers, residents, and visitors.
At Samaritan Keep Home, Unit Clerk Bryanna Mono was nominated by two co-workers who recognized her willingness to go the extra mile for residents, visitors, and fellow staff. They said she is very dedicated to her job and is always asking if others need help.
The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.
The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from patients, residents, families, and colleagues.
To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: OWL awardees Gina Richards, LPN, and Bryanna Mono, Unit Clerk.
About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services
Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Matt Sheldon, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the June DAISY Award. Sheldon was recognized by a patient for his compassionate care while floating in the Progressive Care Unit. The patient noted Sheldon’s commitment to keeping them involved in their plan of care, thoroughly explaining medications and treatments provided. These acts helped the patient feel well cared for.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Sheldon received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture — hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant, received the June BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Teske has been recognized for helping people every day. One nominator said, “Colleagues know they can rely on Suellen for guidance, assistance, and encouragement. Suellen’s positive attitude, commitment to helping others, and dedication to Samaritan’s staff make a meaningful difference every day.”
Teske received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: Samaritan’s June 2026 DAISY Award recipient Matt Sheldon, RN, and June 2026 BEE Award recipient Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant.
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY– Samaritan is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the May 2026 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.
At Samaritan Summit Village, Skilled Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Jessie Spencer was nominated by the family of a resident in recognition of the exceptional compassion and care she provided to both their loved one and their family. They praised Spencer for her kindness, unwavering support, and attentiveness, noting the meaningful difference she made during their loved one’s care.
At Samaritan Keep Home, Certified Nursing Assistant Rhoda Williams was nominated by a co-worker who recognized her outstanding communication skills and genuine commitment to providing compassionate, resident-centered care. Williams was commended for the empathy and professionalism she consistently demonstrates while supporting residents and their families, helping to create a positive and comforting environment.
The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.
The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from patients, residents, families, and colleagues.
To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: OWL awardees Jessie Spencer, CNA, and Rhoda Williams, CNA.
About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services
Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for May 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Chastity Davis, an RN in Interventional Radiology at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the May DAISY Award. Nominated by Dr. Russell Reeves, Davis was recognized for her extraordinary compassion, exceptional care, and unwavering dedication to ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality care. Her commitment to honoring each person’s cultural background and individual needs exemplifies the compassion and excellence that define Samaritan’s nursing team.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Davis received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture — hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst, received the May BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Collins was recognized for his outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence during and after the transition to a new Human Resources Information System. His colleagues praised his attention to detail, responsiveness and positive attitude, noting that he approaches every question with enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to help. His exceptional support and teamwork have made a lasting impact on caregivers across the organization.
Collins received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: Samaritan’s May 2026 DAISY Award recipient Chastity Davis, RN, and May 2026 BEE Award recipient Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst.
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center celebrated the achievements of its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program during its annual Resident Physician Graduation Ceremony on June 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event honored three graduating resident physicians and recognized the continued success of the health system’s physician training programs.
The evening included a social hour, dinner, awards presentation, and recognition of the graduating residents who have completed rigorous training while serving patients throughout the North Country. Graduating this year are Dr. Richard Efem, Family Medicine; Dr. Jin Ju Yi, Internal Medicine; and Dr. Faiqa Zahoor, Internal Medicine.
“Graduation is one of the most meaningful milestones we celebrate each year because it represents the dedication, perseverance, and compassion these physicians have demonstrated throughout their training,” said Samaritan President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Carman. “Dr. Efem, Dr. Yi, and Dr. Zahoor have made a lasting impact on our patients, our medical staff, and our community. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the difference they will make as they continue their careers.”
The health system’s Graduate Medical Education program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the same accrediting body that oversees residency programs at nationally recognized institutions including Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins. Since its inception, the GME program has graduated physicians who have gone on to advanced fellowship training in specialties and subspecialties including anesthesia, cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, family medicine, infectious disease, nephrology, obstetrics, pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine, and sports medicine. Resident physicians also actively participate in clinical research, contributing to scientific publications, national conference presentations, and educational lectures.
Dr. Richard Efem, Family Medicine Dr. Richard Ibi Efem was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and completed the International Baccalaureate program at Curtis High School before studying Biology at Dartmouth College. He later earned an MBA from Stony Brook University and received his medical degree from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. Prior to residency, Dr. Efem served as an Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program (ECRIP) Clinical Fellow at Stony Brook and contributed to surgical oncology research and traumatic brain injury studies at NYU Winthrop University Hospital. Upon completing residency, Dr. Efem will begin a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale, IL, followed by Obesity Medicine board certification.
Dr. Jin Ju Yi, Internal Medicine A native New Yorker, Dr. Jin Ju Yi grew up in Brooklyn and on Long Island. After completing undergraduate studies at New York University, she pursued post-baccalaureate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before attending Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Yi graduated from medical school in 2023 and began her Internal Medicine Residency at Samaritan Medical Center. Shortly before beginning residency, she was married in Watertown. Dr. Yi has been accepted into the Infectious Disease fellowship program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where she will spend the next two years focusing on clinical infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS care, immunocompromised patients, and other vulnerable populations.
Dr. Faiqa Zahoor, Internal Medicine Originally from Kashmir, India, Dr. Faiqa Zahoor completed medical school in her home country before relocating to the United States after her marriage. Her journey to residency required overcoming the challenges of building a new life in a new country while preparing for and completing the United States Medical Licensing Examination process. During that journey, she also became a mother, an experience she credits with strengthening her resilience and determination. Dr. Zahoor expressed gratitude to her family, particularly her parents and husband, for their unwavering support throughout her medical career. She also recognizes the mentors, colleagues, friends, and patients who helped shape her professional journey. Dr. Zahoor will be going to Valley Health Winchester in Virginia and working as a Hospitalist.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mario Victoria praised the graduates for their commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. “These physicians have embraced the challenges of residency training with professionalism, curiosity, and a deep commitment to patient care,” said Dr. Victoria. “Their success reflects not only their individual talents, but also the strength of our Graduate Medical Education program and the collaborative learning environment we strive to provide every day.”
The health system also recognized a group of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine students who completed the majority of their Oxford Medical Simulation (OMS)-III clinical training at Samaritan Medical Center and have now been promoted to OMS-IV: Samuel Calkins, Valeria Gromova, Sydney MacGregor, Alexander Maiorana, Sydney Mai, German Martyn, Natalie Matis, Ryan Mickelson, and Kaitlyn Santos.
“Training the next generation of physicians is central to our mission,” said Carman. “We congratulate our graduates and promoted students and thank them for choosing to learn and serve alongside our team.”
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From left: 2026 Samaritan Medical Center Medical Resident Graduates Dr. Jin Ju Yi, Internal Medicine; Dr. Faiqa Zahoor, Internal Medicine; and Dr. Richard Efem, Family Medicine.
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