CMH honors physicians for community service
Seven local physicians were recognized by Calvert Memorial Hospital for their leadership and service to the community. The honorees were: Dr. Kenneth Abbott, Dr. Charles Bennett, Dr. Michael Brooks, Dr. Glenn Marinelli, Dr. Arati Patel, Dr. Gerald Sterner and Dr. Nancy Ulanowicz.

Abbott, Patel and Ulanowicz were honored for "their outstanding commitment to cancer awareness and the hospital's oncology program." The CMH program is nationally accredited and received five commendations during its most recent survey by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.

Abbott, who joined the staff in 2001, is medical director for the hospital's Infusion Therapy Center and performs clinical trials at Calvert Memorial. He also chairs the CMH Cancer Committee and the CMH Tumor Board. Additionally, he serves as the physician expert on the Calvert County Cancer Coalition.

Patel, who joined the staff in 2002, also serves on the hospital's cancer committee and tumor board. She provides medical oversight for oncology related clinical trials. Additionally, she is the Cancer Liaison Physician at CMH. Her role is to develop community outreach activities that focus on prevention and early detection.

Ulanowicz, who joined the staff in 1983, is currently medical director of the clinical laboratory and chairs the Department of Pathology. She also serves on the hospital's Medical Executive Committee and CMH Cancer Committee.

Bennett, Brooks and Sterner were recognized for "their participation in the athletic programs of our community." They regularly volunteer at the junior varsity and varsity football games at the county's five high schools. Dr. Richard Cirillo and Dr. Debra Spatz also help out.

Brooks, who joined CMH in 1990, has a family practice in Prince Frederick. He has also chaired the Department of Family Practice and the hospital's Medical Executive Committee. He was a board member from 1996-2003.

Bennett, who joined the staff in 1981, has a family practice in Lusby. He has also chaired the Department of Family Practice and the hospital's Medical Executive Committee. Sterner, who joined the staff in 1977, has a family practice in Owings. He currently chairs the Department of Family Practice and serves on the hospital's Medical Executive Committee.

Marinelli was honored for "his long standing service to CMH and its patients." He joined the hospital medical staff in 1985. He specializes in otolaryngology and allergy care. He is a former chair of the Department of Surgery and served on the medical executive committee from 2000-2004.