Dr. Mihaela Nowak, Neurology, is the recipient of the 2016 Physician Excellence Award at Indiana Regional Medical Center. Dr. Garrettson presented the award to Dr. Nowak at the Annual Medical Staff meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. The award was established in 2006 by the Medical Staff to recognize physicians who demonstrate exemplary performance and leadership, clinical expertise in patient care and service excellence. Dr. Nowak is a role model for the practice of medicine and promotes the values and mission of IRMC.
Dr. Nowak began practicing neurology at IRMC in January 2004 when she joined Dr. Gelfand’s neuropsychiatry practice. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, in General Neurology, and in the subspecialty of Sleep Medicine.
Most recently, Dr. Nowak was instrumental in the development of IRMC’s Stroke Program, and the medical staff use of stroke protocols. IRMC was accredited as a Primary Stroke Center, July 21, 2014. This was largely possible due to Dr. Nowak, the physician chair of the program, along with support from Dr. Balewick, Director of the Emergency Department.
Dr. Nowak was nominated by her peers for this award. Her colleagues commended her for developing the Stroke Program at IRMC, introducing the local use of thrombolytics for brain preservation, and educating physicians and staff on indications and use of thrombolytics. She is up to date in her specialty, despite the explosion of newer therapies, good natured, and kind. She is an exemplary physician respected by colleagues, patients and nursing staff.