NSA Physicians Honored by Medical Societies
Congratulations to Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano Area physician Charles Clary, DO, for being chosen 2017 Physician of the Year by the Napa County Medical Society (NCMS), and Matthew Symkowick, MD, who was chosen as the 2017 Physician of the Year by the Solano County Medical Society (SCMS).
Approximately 50 KP physicians, staff and family were in attendance last Friday as Dr. Clary and Dr. Symkowick were honored at a dinner held at the Napa Opera House. “It was humbling to hear about the ways these two physicians serve patients, community and colleagues,” said Chris Walker, MD, Physician in Chief. “They both exemplify what brought us all to medicine and keeps us there.”
According to NCMS staff, Dr. Clary served as President of NCMS for two years and helped to ease the transition with the executive director and leadership team. He has been active in membership outreach and in developing and supporting NCMS family activities to generate a sense of camaraderie and cohesiveness. He has also attended many SCMS meetings to help build a sense of unity and joint purposed between the two societies.
During the recent Napa fires, Dr. Clary was instrumental in mobilizing physicians to respond the medical needs of the community. Dr. Clary is the embodiment of a physician of the year – he cares deeply about his community’s well-being and works tirelessly to serve in any capacity that he is needed.
The Solano County Medical Society selected Dr. Symkowick for his tireless advocacy for his patients and outstanding care he provides his patients as a family physician. He makes himself readily available to address his patients’ needs, and because of his outstanding reputation as a clinician, has taken on many of the sickest patients in the medical center.
Dr. Symkowick donates his time and efforts to being involved in the community, volunteering in direct patient care at La Clinica de la Raza, spending countless hours at shelters during the recent Napa fires, and being involved in community health fairs.
Dr. Symkowick is one of the visionaries who helped develop the early plans for the Family Medicine Residency Program at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the residency program, and currently serves as its associate program director.
Congratulations to Dr. Clary and Dr. Symkowick for their awards, and thank you for helping your patients and the community thrive.
