Awards and Recognition

(From the January 2025 issue of MedStat)

Physician Recognition

Medical staff leadership would like to acknowledge physicians for recently receiving positive comments from patients and families. These comments are only a brief sample of the many compliments our physicians receive regularly.

Medical staff leadership would like to acknowledge physicians for recently receiving positive comments from patients and families. These comments are only a brief sample of the many compliments our physicians receive regularly.

Pediatric Primary Care Saving Lives

“I was reviewing some of the patients in the CTICU this morning and saw that we admitted a child yesterday with no past medical history who presented to their primary care physician, Barbara B. Rayo, MD, Pediatric Associates – Hilliard, with fever, chest/abdominal pain and cough. Dr. Rayo noted a new murmur and sent the child to our ED. I would not be understating it to say that her exam skills and recommendations to immediately refer here saved this patient’s life.”

Julie B. Aldrich, MD, Pediatrics

“The doctor was amazing - showed she truly cared and was invested in helping my son and our family made sure we understood things and answered all our questions. I have nothing but great things to say about this office. The staff made us feel safe, comfortable and welcome. I'm glad my son is under great care here.”

Deborah L. Blackwell, DO, Pediatrics

“The staff from the moment we walked in were very friendly and informative. The doctor was friendly and personable. She was tentative to our son and even joked with him. I would definitely recommend to friends and family.”

Leah E. Braswell, MD, Radiology

“Dr. Braswell explained everything to me in a very down-to-earth way and by the end of my first appointment with her I felt comfortable with the knowledge of being in her care as she performed the procedure. She was also more than happy to answer my dad's questions about the procedure and stopped in the pre-procedure room to talk to everyone and answer any questions.”

Alessandra C. Gasior, DO, and Richard J. Wood, MD, Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

“My son was a NICU baby with many grave defects when born. We have received what I believe to be the best medical professional care we could have hoped for. Nationwide Children’s is an outstanding hospital that not only saved my son’s life but also performed at the highest level regarding the stages of medical care needed to ensure he was able to live pretty much a ‘normal’ life. We are very grateful for the outstanding care given in the last 15 years of my son's life!”

Katelyn E. Krivchenia, MD, Pediatrics

“Dr. Krivchenia is wonderful! My daughter made the comment that when she came to see us before surgery she walked in like a friend and got comfortable! We joked about everyone singing and dancing in the OR - then as my daughter was going to sleep - her team, made it happen! She was all smiles sharing that story. Thankful for everyone we met that day!”

Ross M. Maltz, MD, Pediatrics

“The care provided to my 4-month-old was wonderful, the care providers treated him like their own kids! Dr. Maltz and his team were great, he listened to everything I was telling him & he explained everything very clearly! We have been to other hospitals for my son’s health and this one was by far the best experience! As a parent, I really liked how I got to speak to Dr. Maltz daily during a.m. rounds, it made it very helpful to get questions answered!”

Wilawan Nopkhun, MD, Pediatrics

“Dr. Nopkhun is excellent in physical medicine. She is very thorough, a great listener, answers MyChart messages timely, and shows concern and care for problems.”

Jonathan A. Pindrik, MD, Pediatric Neurosurgery

“My daughter, age 4, received exceptional care at Nationwide Children's. I want to personally recognize Dr. Pindrik for his clinical expertise, exemplary skill set, professionalism and knowledge as a surgeon. This surgery was not only life-changing to my daughter but our entire family. We are forever grateful for her entire care team and the staff at Nationwide Children's! From the bottom of my heart, I thank you!”

Zarife Sahenk, MD, PhD, Pediatrics

“Dr. Sahenk is just incredible! She actually examines and takes time with her patients. She is a wonderful throwback to how medicine used to be practiced. I love her as a doctor and am very grateful to have her as my doctor!”

Aaron L. Thatcher, MD, Otolaryngology

“The doctor that we saw was truly incredible! He was so helpful and gave us many answers that we have been waiting on forever! I would give him 6/5 stars if I could!”