NEW MILFORD, CT - Even in the era of healthcare reform and falling reimbursements, the importance of “bedside manner” still carries a lot of weight at New Milford Hospital, where physicians and staff recently selected their second annual Physician of the Year. Numan Gharaibeh, MD, (pronounced ga•Rye•bay) a board–certified psychiatrist who serves as medical director of Behavioral Health Services, was selected as the medical staff member who best personifies the Hospital’s core values and the spirit of Planetree, a patient-centered model of care focused on nurturing mind, body and spirit. Dr. Gharaibeh was honored by his colleagues and hospital leaders at the 2011 Medical Staff Annual Meeting in December. He follows Juan Carlos Estupinan, MD, a specialist in inpatient medicine, who received the honor in 2010.
Numerous nominations were received by employees, medical staff and the community. Dr. Gharaibeh was carefully selected by a panel of his fellow physicians, nursing staff, and hospital administration. Other nominees included:
· Dr. Frederick Browne, Chief Medical Officer
· Dr. Courtney Chambers, General Surgery
· Dr. Cristina Hung, Hospitalist (inpatient medicine)
· Dr. Thomas Koobatian, Emergency Medicine
· Dr. Michael Levine, Cardiology
· Dr. Mary MacKessy, Emergency Medicine
· Dr. Ingrid Salcedo, Hospitalist (inpatient medicine)
· Dr. Anthony Viola, Orthopedic Surgery
· Dr. Robert Wasnick, Hospitalist (inpatient medicine)
· Dr. Edward Zane, Anesthesiologist
Deborah Weymouth, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of New Milford Hospital, said Dr. Gharaibeh was “chosen for his kind, respectful, and professional demeanor. He is always patient and considerate with patients and their families. He is a humble physician with a great deal of knowledge, going above and beyond to help anyone in need. He supports our community with a truly needed resource.”
“Dr. G” as he is often called, joined New Milford Hospital in September 2010, and has been a member of the Department of Psychiatry at Danbury Hospital since 2009. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York Medical College and University of Vermont. He previously worked with the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), The Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine at the University of Arizona, and the Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital.
A graduate of Jordan University of Science and Technology (1990), he trained at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and New York Medical College, where he was awarded the Dr. Belle Stoch’s Award for Academic Excellence (1996). In 1997, he completed a Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Program of Psychiatry and the Law, Harvard Medical School.
Led by Dr. Gharaibeh, New Milford Hospital Behavioral Health Services provides psychological counseling and support for individuals, couples, families and groups at 23 Poplar Street, New Milford, located just north of the Hospital on Route 202. He and his team of psychotherapists, social workers and advanced practice nurses serve both children and adults. An initial consultation is required before participation. For information and referrals, call 860-210-5350.
