James Coleman, MD, PGY2 Columbia AnesthesiologyI worked with Dr. James Coleman, anesthesiology resident, during his rotation at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. As a child neurology fellow on the consult service, I was paged by Dr. Coleman to examine an infant with a complex cardiac condition and decreased arm movements, raising suspicion for a stroke. It was a busy Tuesday afternoon and our team was also seeing patients in the pediatric neurology clinic. Dr. Coleman, intern on the primary team, demonstrated remarkable professionalism, commitment and responsibility with the patient management. He had already framed a differential diagnosis to help our team triage the case and presented all key findings on the phone, giving detailed attention to the neurological exam. He supported a diagnosis against stroke and actively advocated for averting the planned radiation (CT scan)—a rare quality at the intern level. It felt as if I had assigned the consult back to him.
When I arrived at the bedside, Dr. Coleman had already fully updated the anxious father. Our team agreed with Dr. Coleman’s exam findings and his diagnosis of a prior brachial plexus injury. While managing a child with a cardiac history, he demonstrated critical thinking by weighing the risk-to-benefit ratio of investigations. His ability to anticipate possible challenges helped us avoid unnecessary tests. On the following days, he ensured continuity of care and maintained closed-loop communication with our consult team. His efforts ensured we could provide the best care to this patient.
Dr. Coleman also received an informal shout-out by our adult neurology colleagues during his neurology rotation. His senior on floor, Dr. Olivia Begasse de Dhaem, commended his thorough rounds presentations, team spirit, self-learning and meticulous approach to executing patient management plans. Even when the service was busy, he worked with a smile, and was extremely respectful and understanding. When Dr. Begasse de Dhaem was on consults, she appreciated how much Dr. Coleman had learned from his neurology rotation. While working in the ED and the SICU, he called appropriate stroke codes and consults with an excellent differential diagnosis and initial management plan. We really appreciated these qualities; they make him an excellent resident and an astute clinician.
Submitted by: Priyanka Shekhawat, MD, Child Neurology, NYP MSCH, Olivia Begasse de Dhaem MD, Neurology, NYP MSCH
 

Sean Elges, MD PGY2 Cornell Pediatrics Dr. Sean Elges was recently working in the Pediatrics Emergency Department at NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital and a parent who encountered him described her experience with Dr. Elges to one of our GI attendings, who knows the family. The parents brought the patient into the ED following a breath-holding spell. Their son, who is developmentally delayed, did not have a formal diagnosis for his condition. The family reported that Dr. Elges was extremely reassuring to them, empathetic, and provided them with comforting guidance that really allowed them to relax. His bedside manner was described as “amazing.” The parents took his advice and had follow-up testing done after discharge. Ultimately, it was found that the patient has an abnormal EEG pattern that he’s getting worked up for. This is typical of Dr. Elges’ behavior and performance in all areas where he works. As his program director, I think that he is well-deserving of this award.
Submitted by: Jennifer DiPace, MD, Pediatrics, NYP/WC.