George Washington University Hospital

05/29/2026

This week’s GW Proud recipient is Michael Stempel, DPM, FACFAS, Chief of the Division of Podiatry and Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Stempel is recognized not only for delivering exceptional clinical care, but for the compassion and trust he builds with his patients every day. One patient shared that Dr. Stempel “saved his life,” providing not just treatment, but hope and reassurance during a difficult journey. Another echoed that sentiment, crediting him with life-changing care and progress.

Known for his professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication, Dr. Stempel truly embodies what it means to put patients first.

Thank you, Dr. Stempel, for making such a meaningful impact!

05/28/2026

Celebrating nursing excellence at GW Hospital! During Nursing Week, we proudly hosted our Annual Nursing Excellence Awards Ceremony, led by Chief Nursing Officer Patti Horgas, to recognize the incredible team members who go above and beyond every day.

👏 Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients:
• Critical Care Nurse of the Year: Stephen Lageman
• PCT of the Year: Jenny Guerrero
• Med/Surg Nurse of the Year: Jovismiriam Ibeh
• Nurse Educator of the Year: Voletta McFarlane
• Nurse Leader of the Year: Cyndra Mappy & Clara Rasteiro
• Mended Hearts Award: Kathleen Matanguihan
• Women’s Services Nurse of the Year: Lynn Hansirisawat
• Procedural/Surgical Services Nurse of the Year: Jennifer Balarezo
• Friends of Nursing Award: Teddy Leggett & Joseph Bracey

Your compassion, dedication, and commitment to patient care truly embody the power of nursing. Thank you for all that you do!

05/27/2026

Did someone say cake?! To celebrate National EMS Week, our team members delivered a variety of delicious desserts to EMS stations across, DC, Alexandria and Arlington, showing a little extra appreciation to the heroes who show up for our patients every day.

As Stephane Boese, Director of Trauma Services, shared, EMS week is about honoring the paramedics, EMTs and emergency professionals that we’re proud to partner with. From early interventions to life-saving care, their impact is felt every single day.

Together, we’re improving outcomes and making a difference where it matters most!

05/26/2026

A new chapter in patient care is taking shape. The George Washington University, The GW Medical Faculty Associates and Universal Health Services, Inc. - UHS have reached an agreement to establish Capital Medical Group, a physician-led, not-for-profit organization designed to ensure continuity of care across GW Hospital, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center and outpatient locations.

“Together, we are confident in the path forward – one that supports the physicians, clinicians and staff now to be known as Capital Medical Group, preserves the excellence of SMHS teaching and research missions, and meets the clinical needs of the hospitals and the community,” said Jason Barrett, Group Vice President, DC Region, UHS and CEO, GW Hospital.

With a focus on maintaining trusted providers, advancing medical education and expanding access to care, this milestone marks a strong, sustainable path forward for patients and the community.

For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/4utEm9r.

05/25/2026

Honoring those who gave their lives in service to our nation. This Memorial Day, we pause to remember their sacrifice, reflect on their courage and express our deepest gratitude. We remember today and always. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

Leslie McGhee of Labor & Delivery was recently honored as our most recent RN DAISY Award recipient during a special ceremony led by Dena McCoy, Director of Women’s Services.

Recognized for her compassion, clinical excellence and unwavering dedication, Leslie exemplifies the very best of nursing, making a meaningful difference for patients, families and colleagues every day.

Thank you, Leslie, for the incredible impact you make across GW Hospital!

05/21/2026

We'd like to thank the Medical Society of the District of Columbia for spotlighting our Kathryn A. Hughes, MD, FACS.

We’re proud to see her dedication to patient care, education and service recognized and grateful to have her as part of our community.

MSDC Member Profile Series

Meet Kathryn A. Hughes, MD, FACS- — our featured member this week!

Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at George Washington University
Practicing as Part of the Surgery Team at Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center

Why does Dr. Hughes belong to MSDC?

"I am newly relocated to DC, and I joined MSDC to connect with physician colleagues – participating in organized medicine, whether a local/state society or a specialty organization, is another expression of my calling, the call to Service and to the profession of medicine. Our profession is very much a calling based in service, as we care for our patients and our communities. The opportunity to extend that service to colleagues and to our profession as a whole, and by doing so have a greater impact on our collective patients and communities, is a natural progression and evolution of this call to service and to medicine."

Want to learn more about Dr. Hughes and her work in DC medicine and why she stays engaged with MSDC? Stay tuned for her full profile in Capital Medicine and join us in celebrating the physicians who make MSDC strong!

05/20/2026

Today on , we honor the incredible patients who inspire us every day. We’re proud to recognize those who joined us for last year’s Annual Trauma Survivors Day, individuals whose strength, courage and resilience continue to leave a lasting impact. It’s our privilege to be part of their journey to recovery as their stories remind us why we do what we do.

05/19/2026

The Grey Matter Milers hit the pavement for the 2026 Race for Hope, turning every step into support for brain tumor research. The 12-member team, representing our ICU and Neurosurgery departments, not only logged some impressive times but raised $626 to support the National Brain Tumor Society, helping fund research and improve the quality of life for patients and families. Proud of our team for stepping up, giving back and making a difference beyond the hospital walls!

05/18/2026

That’s a wrap on at GW Hospital! From Food Truck Fun 🚚 and Wellness Wednesday 🥗 to Gratitude Day and Jersey/Denim/Cowboy Boots Day 🤠, it was a week full of celebration, connection and appreciation for our staff, providers and trainees.

As CEO, Jason Barrett shared:
"Behind every patient story is a thousand unseen acts by people who rarely ask for recognition… They just keep showing up. And honestly, that deserves more than a week."

To our incredible GW Hospital team, thank you for showing up every day.