Daniel Mendelson, M.D., Receives Highland Hospital's Distinguished Physician Award 2011
February 27, 2012
Dr. Daniel Mendelson, Distinguished Physician of 2011
Daniel Mendelson, M.S., M.D., F.A.C.P., A.G.S.F., is the recipient of Highland Hospital’s Distinguished Physician Award for 2011. Dr. Mendelson, 44, has been with Highland for nearly 13 years and serves in many roles, including Associate Professor of Medicine for the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center; Director of Palliative Care at Highland; Co-Director of the Geriatric Fracture Center at Highland; and Medical Director at The Highlands at Brighton and Monroe Community Hospital.
"Dr. Mendelson’s skills in geriatrics and palliative care are exceptional," said Robert McCann, M.D., Highland Hospital Chief of Medicine. "His work has greatly enhanced the care we provide to patients and their families at Highland."
Dr. Mendelson is the fifth recipient of this award. A selection committee of physicians, nurses and hospital administrators chose Dr. Mendelson from all of Highland’s medical staff.
"I’m overwhelmed to be included in the ranks of others who have received this award before me," Dr. Mendelson said. "These are people who I have nothing but the utmost respect for and have viewed as mentors and colleagues for years, and to be elevated to their ranks is very humbling."
Previous honorees include Tulsi Dass, M.B.B.S., Bilal Ahmed, M.D., Theodore I. Hirokawa, M.D., and Jeffrey Harp, M.D.
Dr. Mendelson began his career at Highland Hospital in July 1999. He is well known for building successful programs, providing compassionate care and being an effective problem solver. Dr. Mendelson helped launch the Strong Health Geriatrics Group, which created a network of providers and skilled nursing facilities in the Greater Rochester community. He played an integral role in developing the Acute Care for Elders Unit and the Geriatric Fracture Center at Highland. In addition, he established and expanded the hospital’s palliative care program and the services it offers to ensure patients and their families are comfortable.
"I love what I do," Dr. Mendelson said. "Figuring out the right balance and right care for patients is challenging and invigorating."
In nominating Dr. Mendelson for the award, his colleagues described him as a "true patient advocate" and "an asset to Highland Hospital."
"Dr. Mendelson is one of the people I turn to for help with many of my most challenging cases," said Mike Ferrantino, M.D., a hospitalist at Highland. "He is always willing to devote time and effort in helping families and patients make very difficult decisions."
"He is an outstanding role model to our residents, many more of whom have chosen to pursue additional training in geriatrics and palliative care after working with Dr. Mendelson," said Debbie Pierce, M.D., M.P.H., of Highland Family Medicine. "He is thoughtful and compassionate toward colleagues and patients and is a valuable resource as a consultant."
Dr. Mendelson lives in Brighton with his wife and two daughters. He volunteers on boards for several community organizations, including Lifespan, Strong Partners Health System, Visiting Nurse Service, Temple B’rith Kodesh and the House of Ruth, a comfort care home in development in Brighton.
Dr. Mendelson will be recognized with the Distinguished Physician Award at the Highland Hospital Gala Saturday, March 10.