Melissa Schiff, M.D., Honored with Highland Hospital Distinguished Physician Award
Annual Award recognizes physicians who exemplify Highland’s commitment to the highest standard of patient care
Friday, May 15, 2015
Rochester, N.Y., May 15, 2015 — Melissa Schiff, M.D., recently received Highland Hospital’s Distinguished Physician Award for 2014. Dr. Schiff, Chief of Nephrology at Highland Hospital, Professor of Clinical Medicine at University of Rochester Medical Center and Medical Director at Clinton Crossings Dialysis Unit, has served Highland for more than 30 years.
In nominating Dr. Schiff for this award, colleagues described her as a caring physician and educator who is “the gold standard” in delivering patient-centered and compassionate care. “It is wonderful to be honored, especially by your peers,” said Dr. Schiff who accepted the award from David Stornelli, M.D., President, Highland Hospital Medical Staff at the Highland Hospital Gala.
“This is a well-deserved honor for Melissa who espouses all of our values and has been one of our most respected clinicians and educators,” said Robert McCann, M.D., Chief of Medicine, Highland Hospital and Professor of Medicine, University of Rochester.
Dr. Schiff’s exemplary career began at Highland in 1983 when Dr. Thomas Talley, founder of the Nephrology program at Highland Hospital recruited her. Six years later she became Medical Director the University of Rochester’s first off site dialysis unit, now located at Clinton Crossings, and, in 1995, she became Chief of Nephrology at Highland.
“As professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester, Melissa teaches residents and medical students with great passion and commitment,” said Cindy Becker, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Highland Hospital. She has devoted her life to patient-centered care and she has touched the lives of many people.”
Dr. Schiff received her bachelor’s degree and her doctor of medicine degree from Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at SUNY Upstate Medical Center and a fellowship at Boston University Hospital. A resident of Brighton, Dr. Schiff is married to Dr. Steve Sulkes. They are the parents of two sons, Zeke and Gabe.
This prestigious award is presented each year to a physician whose work is exemplary and extraordinary. The awardee is selected based on nominations from peers. To be eligible for the award recipients must have been a member of Highland’s medical staff for at least one year. A selection committee of physicians, nurses and hospital administrators choose the honoree.
Dr. Schiff is the eighth recipient of the award. Previous recipients include: Tulsi Dass, M.B.B.S., Bilal Ahmed, M.D., Theodore Hirokawa, M.D., Jeffrey Harp, M.D., Daniel Mendelson, M.D., Alice Taylor, M.D. and Joseph Nicholas, M.D.
Founded in 1889, Highland Hospital has a history of innovative and personalized care. The hospital is a regional leader in specialties such as bariatric surgery, joint replacement, geriatric care, gynecologic oncology, prostate cancer treatment, women’s health services, and maternity. An affiliate of the University of Rochester Medical Center, the 261-bed organization and its 2,400 employees are committed to providing patient- and family-centered care. Go to www.Highland.urmc.edu or visit our Facebook page under Highland Hospital to learn more.