11/18/2025
Eliseo Colon, MD, was named Continuing Care Hospital’s 2024 Physician of the Year, an award recognizing his clinical leadership and team-based approach in treating pulmonary and critical care patients. As he makes rounds, he says he explains the “whys” to fellow caregivers and practices Saint Joseph’s values when talking to patients and families.
“Being compassionate. You have to understand the patient. You sit down next to them, you talk to them. You tell the truth—integrity. Also, you’ve got to respect when they make a decision.”
Dr. Colon has been with the Saint Joseph ministry for 15 years and is part of a team of pulmonology specialists, treating many patients with chronic lung diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema and COPD. Lung cancer and to***co use rates in Kentucky are above the national average, something the team tries to combat by offering smoking cessation resources and educating patients on the risks. November is , and while Dr. Colon says it’s frustrating to see patients who smoke or casually use electronic ci******es, he also says it’s rewarding to help patients improve their lives by quitting.
“We have to work on breaking bad habits,” he said. His arsenal includes showing patients the results of their pulmonary function test, X-rays or CT scans. “It’s rewarding to see someone say ‘I quit smoking,’” he said. Read more about Dr. Colon: https://ow.ly/zboG50XtyZa
