Collier County Medical Society is pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Russo, M.D., Ph.D. is the recipient of the 7th Annual CCMS Physician of the Year Award. This award honors a CCMS member who deserves special recognition for exemplary contributions to the practice of medicine and/or outstanding service to our community. Members of the Medical Society submitted nominations for this prestigious award to the CCMS Board of Directors, who have selected Dr. Russo from the talented pool of candidates.
The award will be presented at the CCMS 64th Annual Meeting & Installation of Officers on July 24th. CCMS physician members can register for the event at ccmsonline.org, or by contacting CCMS: (239) 435-7727 or info@ccmsonline.org. Sponsorships are also available, please contact CCMS for details.
“To be recognized as Physician of the Year among such well-trained physicians and surgeons is an honor that is humbling and rewarding,” said Dr. Russo. “I proudly accept this honor as a reflection of the physician excellence that exists in Collier County which is aggrandized by the Collier County Medical Society.”
Dr. Russo was nominated by his colleagues Drs. Lindita Hobdari and Zubin Pachori. The nominations described Dr. Russo’s contributions to the community as founder of Naples Nephrology, which has been cited in a 2019 JASN paper as a high value practice in the US; clinical research projects for dialysis patients and partnering with US Renal Care in the development of local dialysis facilities; serving as Chair of Medicine at NCH and subsection chief of nephrology at NCH and Physicians Regional; chairing Network 7 that oversees dialysis in the state of Florida; and serving as a current board member of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida and Naples Classical Academy.
“In addition to his efforts in treating COVID-19 patients, over the last year Dr. Russo has championed and advocated for a group of indigent dialysis patients who have frequently fallen by the wayside and suffered for it,” shared Dr. Pachori. “I hope in granting Dr. Russo this recognition, we also recognize these patients and their plight in our community, and provide some support in Dr. Russo’s effort.”
Dr. Hobdari nominated Dr. Russo “not only because he is an excellent clinician and has a big heart, but also because he has a wonderful way of communication, his words of wisdom continue to pull the community together like a leader!”
“We are honored to recognize those physicians who are doing outstanding work in their practices and have displayed a steadfast commitment to our community by sharing their time, talents and expertise to go above and beyond,” commented CCMS Board President, Dr. Rebekah Bernard. “Congratulations, Dr. Russo, we appreciate all you do to promote public health in Collier County.”