(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) -  Alvarado Hospital was recognized for having exceptional physicians, staff and volunteers at the recent 2009 San Diego Health Care Champions awards event, held at the Doubletree Hotel in Mission Valley on October 8. 

Recognized as Physician Champions were Dr. Rob Bei, emergency medicine; Dr. Kevin Kelly, emergency medicine; and the physicians of the Advanced Spine Institute at Alvarado Hospital, which includes spine specialists Drs. John Finkenberg, Choll Kim, Kam Raiszadeh and Ramin Raiszadeh, among others.

Recognized as Innovation and Research Champions were Dr. Irwin Goldstein, sexual medicine, and Dr. Brian Weeks, otolaryngology.  Peggy Tilley, RN was recognized as a Nurse Champion and Betty Gossett, volunteer services, received recognition as a Community Outreach Champion.  Cathi Foley, RN, employee health services and Steve Keller, physical therapy, were recognized as Health Care Staff Champions. 

In addition, several of the Champions received additional recognition as Honorees, including Dr. Rob Bei, Cathi Foley, RN, and the physicians of the Advanced Spine Institute.

By Laura Gilbert