Self Regional Healthcare physician named 1 of top 10 in country
July 1, 2009
A physician in Self Regional Healthcare’s family medicine residency program at Montgomery Center for Family Medicine has been selected one of the nation’s top 10 residents by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Christy Cavanagh, currently entering her third year in the program and co-chief resident for the coming year, will receive the AAFP/Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education. Not only is she one of just ten nationwide to earn the honor, but she is also the only resident from the AAFP’s southern region to receive the honor.
Dr. Gary A. Goforth, Director of Medical Education at Self Regional, described the award-winning physician as “remarkable.” She consistently provides exemplary patient care, he explained, and has received numerous written and verbal commendations from her patients concerning her interpersonal and academic skills.
“Our faculty members have recognized Dr. Cavanagh’s strong interpersonal skills, diagnostic skills and skilled care of patients on our very busy inpatient medicine, pediatric and obstetrics services,” Dr. Goforth noted. “When patients are admitted, she develops a superb plan and always follows through.”
Consulting physicians regularly cite Dr. Cavanagh for her excellent medical care and utilization of specialty consultations, he added. She was also cited for giving back to her community, serving frequently at the Greater Greenwood United Ministry Free Medical Clinic as well as a volunteer physician on a medical mission trip to Peru this past spring.
Dr. Cavanagh and the other nine winners of the award were selected based on their leadership, community involvement, exemplary patient care and interpersonal relationships, according to AAFP officials.
A member of the local residency program since 2007, Dr. Cavanagh earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and later graduated from the University of Florida Medical School.
“I chose to complete my family medicine training at Self Regional Healthcare because it is one of the top residencies in the country,” Dr. Cavanagh said. “This award is a reflection on the strength of the program and the support of the Greenwood community. I am honored to represent our residency program and hospital in this way.”
Dr. Cavanagh becomes the seventh resident in the history of the Montgomery Center for Family Medicine program to receive the Excellence in Graduate Medical Education Award. The honor entitles her to a cash prize of $1,000. She also receives airfare, lodging and registration at the AAFP Scientific Assembly in Boston, Mass. in October.
