Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center Honors its 2006 Physicians of the Year

Julio Ibarra, M.D., medical director of breast pathology (left), Ramesh Patel, M.D., pulmonologist (right)

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. - Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center recently honored Julio Ibarra, M.D., medical director of breast pathology at the MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast and president of the American Society of Breast Disease, and Ramesh Patel, M.D., pulmonologist, as its “2006 Physician(s) of the Year.” For the first time since its inception in 1996, Orange Coast Memorial presented the award to two physicians as a result of them splitting more than 100 votes cast by their peers.

The annual honor recognizes the physician’s commitment to the community and the delivery of quality healthcare to those in need. In addition, the award distinguishes the physician’s dedication to patient education, patient satisfaction and interaction with employees.

“Drs. Ibarra and Patel are great clinicians, but I am prouder to say that they are even greater people because of their unique ability to touch the lives of the patients they treat and the employees they work with everyday,” said Marcia Manker, chief executive officer of Orange Coast Memorial.

Dr. Ibarra began his career as a pathologist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in 1996. With the opening of the MemorialCare Breast Center at Orange Coast in 1998, Dr. Ibarra was appointed its medical director of breast pathology.

“I am extremely honored to be voted by my peers as the Physician of the Year for 2006,” said Dr. Ibarra. “I want to thank the dedicated team of physicians, nurses and administrators at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center for making me realize that tomorrow will be a better day because we will make a difference in the lives of our patients.”

Dr. Patel’s career at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center began in 1990. As a pulmonologist for nearly 20 years, he has witnessed the rapid growth of the hospital and the community.

“As a physician at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center for nearly 20 years we have always stressed the importance of working as a team with the medical staff and our patients,” explained Dr. Patel. “I am proud to share this award with Dr. Ibarra, our medical staff and patients who have continued to inspire me throughout my medical career.”