Awards and Recognition
(From the March 2025 issue of MedStat)
John David Spencer, MD, Receives ASPN Award
John David Spencer, MD, is the recipient of the 2025 Mid-Career Award from the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN). Dr. Spencer is chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, principal investigator in the Center for Clinical and Translational Research in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's and an assistant professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. The ASPN award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of pediatric nephrology through their clinical service, research, or education of trainees and or/junior faculty.
Dane Snyder, MD, Recognized as Physician of the Year
Dane Snyder, MD, section chief of Primary Care Pediatrics and medical director of Ambulatory Services at Nationwide Children’s and a professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, has been recognized as Nationwide Children’s Physician of the Year. The Physician of the Year Award was established to honor and recognize one physician at Nationwide Children’s each year. The selection of the winner is determined by members of medical and hospital leadership.
Ashley Fernandes, MD, PhD, Among the Dean’s Excellence Award Winners
Ashley Fernandes, MD, PhD, has been awarded the Distinguished Clinical Science Educator Award. Dr. Fernandes is a clinical professor of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s and the associate director of the Center for Bioethics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He is the director of Competency for Professionalism at The Ohio State College of Medicine, where he is also holds various leadership roles in medical education. The Dean’s Excellence Award honorees have made exceptional contributions to education, research, patient care, community service and inclusive excellence.
Comments From Patients and Families
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.
Antonio Cabrera, MD, Pediatrics, and Can Yerebakan, MD, PhD, Cardiothoracic Surgery
“The Cardiothoracic Unit is incredible. At a very scary time, they were there to help. Dr. Cabrera and Dr. Yerebakan were amazing in our son's treatment and surgery, not only giving next-level care to him but ensuring we understood everything happening. While they were the primary doctors we worked with for our son's surgery, all the doctors (and nurse practitioners) were incredible. I can't say enough great things about the staff of the Cardiothoracic Unit at Nationwide Children's. Definitely one of the best and where you want to be if your child needs help with their heart.”
Carlo Di Lorenzo, MD, Pediatrics, and Dana Schwartz, MD, General Pediatric Surgery
“Both doctors were amazing! We saw the gastroenterologist and surgeon on the same day. They made this work, which was awesome, so we didn't have to make an additional four-hour trip to finish our checkups.”
Tracy Ediger, MD, PhD, Pediatrics
“We came for a second opinion from Cincinnati Children's GI. I have been so impressed at the compassion and the helpfulness of all staff. I will only get care from your GI department from now on.”
Katya Harfmann, MD, Pediatrics
“Dr. Harfmann is a very gentle, kind physician. We see her for alopecia. She understands and respects the emotional impact this condition can have. She always checks on my child's emotional/social handling of the situation and offers empathy.”
Lea Taylor, PhD, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
“I love my provider with all my heart! She has gotten me through a lot of hard times. I am sad that (eventually) I have to find a different doc because I am "aging out.” She is always so laid back and relaxed, which helps my anxiety when it comes to doctors’ offices. When I speak with her, it's almost like I am talking to a friend, rather than a "provider.” She's truly been amazing, and I genuinely could not thank her enough!”
Lisa Stone, DO, Pediatrics
“I am always impressed by the nurses and doctors at this clinic (Near East Primary Care). They take such good care of our most precious gift with compassion and love.”
Karen Texter, MD, Pediatrics
“Dr. Texter was so wonderful. While we were fortunate to be receiving good news, I think Dr. Texter's demeanor and empathy would have made me feel optimistic even if the news weren't so positive. I would have felt confident working with her for any ongoing care that was needed.”
Jorge Vidaurre, MD, Pediatrics
“Dr. Vidaurre is top-notch. We have been on my son’s treatment journey for 19 years. Dr. Vidaurre has been involved for the vast majority of it, and I would not want my son to be on this journey without him. Wonderful physician and human being.”