Hendersonville, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation is now accepting nominations for its annual Physician of the Year Award, which honors a physician whose career is defined by medical excellence, compassionate patient care, and a commitment to improving the lives of people throughout the community. Nominations may be submitted online through April 1, 2026 at pardeehospitalfoundation.org/physician-of-the-year.

The Physician of the Year Award recognizes a member of the current UNC Health Pardee Medical Staff who has made a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the broader community. Nominees should demonstrate a love for the profession of medicine and a commitment to enriching the field through clinical excellence, leadership, and service. Previous recipients are not eligible for consideration.

“The Physician of the Year Award is our way of celebrating the incredible physicians who make a difference every day,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “These are individuals whose skill, dedication, and compassion touch the lives of patients, families, and our entire community. We encourage everyone to share their stories and help us honor a truly deserving physician this year.”

Nominations may be submitted by any individual on behalf of a physician and should address the nominee’s personal and career activities, as well as the qualities that exemplify excellence in patient care and service to the community including:

• Exemplary medical expertise
• Unmatched dedication to compassionate patient care
• Commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.

Once nominations are received, the UNC Health Pardee medical staff will vote to select this year’s honoree. Individuals who have previously received the Physician of the Year and posthumous nominations will not be accepted.  

Past recipients of the Physician of the Year Award include:

• Dr. Ken Shelton
• Dr. James Caserio
• Dr. Stuart Glassman
• Dr. Eric Byrd
• Dr. Peter Goodfield
• Dr. Betsy Merrell
• Dr. Werner Brooks
• Dr. Chris Parsons
• Dr. Jennifer McAlister
• Dr. Joel Callahan
• Dr. Navin Anthony
• Dr. David Price

The 2026 Physician of the Year will be announced and honored during the Foundation’s summer gala, Pardee Royale, on Saturday, July 26, 2026.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: pardeehospitalfoundation.org/physician-of-the-year.

About Pardee Hospital Foundation
Pardee Hospital Foundation raises funds to support UNC Health Pardee in delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. For 30 years, since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has partnered with generous donors and community organizations to fund lifesaving technology, critical programs, and facility enhancements that advance patient care throughout Western North Carolina. To learn more, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.