Approximately 200 local physicians and supporters came together at the California Museum May 4 on a rainy Saturday for SSVMS Honors Medicine, our premier annual event that mixes friendship with reflection. The museum's beautiful halls were filled with interesting exhibits telling the story of Chinese Americans, the Hall of Fame members who contributed to the state, and how California has grown and changed over the years.
Our staff scrambled, because of the rain and unseasonably cool weather, to move the dining area indoors from the outside atrium where we had planned to enjoy a typical warm Sacramento night. They rose to the occasion and got it done, and because of their efforts everyone had a great evening of food, friendship and celebrating our profession.
This year's honorees stood out as shining examples of excellence, their contributions resonating deeply within their communities and among their peers.
Rajiv Misquitta, MD, was honored with the prestigious Golden Stethoscope Award, the highest accolade bestowed by SSVMS. Dr. Misquitta embodies the principles he advocates for, serving as the Medical Director for Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento's Department of Lifestyle Medicine. His steadfast belief in the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and community engagement has not only shaped his professional career but has also positively impacted the lives of countless patients and colleagues. With a distinguished tenure as a former SSVMS president and the founding Chair of the Joy of Medicine Advisory Committee, Dr. Misquitta has left an indelible mark on the medical community, championing the values of holistic wellness and compassionate care. It was our honor to recognize his dedicated service to our local medical community.
The very deserving Aimee Moulin, MD, received our Community Impact Award, a recognition recently rebranded from the Medical Honor Award. She has made remarkable contributions as an emergency physician and as the co-founder and principal investigator of the California Bridge Project, which advances access to high-quality treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
This groundbreaking initiative, born from the collective dedication of a new generation of emergency physicians, rejects the outdated practice of "treating and streeting" those battling addiction. Instead, the California Bridge Program provides round-the-clock free access to essential medications such as buprenorphine in emergency departments, offering a lifeline of support and care to those in need. Dr. Moulin's visionary leadership and the project’s adoption by numerous emergency rooms around the country underscores her impact on bringing compassionate and evidence-based approaches that more effectively address addiction within the health care system.
Robert LaPerriere, MD — or, as everyone knows him, “Dr. Bob” — was the inaugural recipient of our Outstanding Medical Society Volunteer Award. Dr. Bob’s decades of dedicated service to SSVMS range from chairing several committees to, most notably, his instrumental role in establishing the Museum of Medical History in 2000 and his nearly quarter century as its sole curator. Under Dr. Bob's guidance, the Museum has flourished, doubling in size and welcoming thousands of visitors, including schoolchildren, college students, families, and medical professionals.
He also serves as the Chair of the Historical Committee, oversees a team of volunteer docents, curates educational lecture series and supports the Society's Future of Medicine Program. Dr. Bob is the epitome of the spirit of volunteerism and community service at SSVMS and he was the perfect recipient of this new honor.
The California Museum was the perfect venue for recognizing these amazing individuals. But none of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions ensured the success of the event. At the Diamond Level, we extend our gratitude to Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Health, Vitalant, Sutter Medical Group, Mercy Medical Group, Cooperative of American Physicians, and ProAssurance. At the Platinum Level, we thank Crumley and Associates, while at the Gold Level, we express our appreciation to Woodland Clinic Medical Group, Sutter Independent Physicians, First Citizens Bank, and the Sherri Patterson Team.
After the honors were handed out, the evening finished on a rocking high note with Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos on stage. Their clever and often hilarious interpretations of songs requested by the audience had our guests singing, swaying and smiling. It was a great way to end a wonderful evening.
It's time to think about next year! To nominate a deserving peer for one of our awards — the Golden Stethoscope Award, Community Impact Award, Excellence in Advocacy Award, or Outstanding Medical Society Volunteer Award — please visit our nominations page. Nominations are welcome year-round, so please help us continue celebrating the remarkable achievements of your colleagues. Thank you to everyone who attended (and supported our medical student scholarships with their ticket purchases) and we look forward to seeing who you think should be on stage next year to receive our highest honors.
Email Aileen Wetzel
