LAKEPORT, Calif. – Physicians at Sutter Lakeside Hospital announced their new 2013 Medical Executive Committee officers at the physician holiday party on January 5, 2013.

Anesthesiologist Dr. Fred Johnson is the hospital’s new chief of staff, and will serve in this position for two years.

Cardiologist Dr. Bradley Clair is the vice chief of staff, hospitalist Dr. James Pretorious is the chief of medicine, Dr. Keith Donald was reelected as the chief of surgery, anesthesiologist Dr. Christopher Fossaceca is the secretary/treasurer and orthopedist Dr. Paul Axtell and family medicine physician Dr. Shobana Vankipuram will serve as members-at-large.

The Medical Executive Committee is the governing body of the medical staff and is accountable for the overall medical quality and care delivered to patients in the hospital.

At the holiday party, new Chief of Staff Dr. Fred Johnson thanked outgoing Chief of Staff Dr. Vivek Reddy, for his service, stating, “Every once in a while, we’re not just in the pack, but we lead the pack.”

In accepting a plaque from the physicians, Dr. Reddy responded, “To me, the most rewarding part of my job is to know that I made a difference in people’s lives. Being the chief of staff at Sutter Lakeside has only increased my passion for our small hospital that does such good work.”

Dr. Johnson also paused to recognize Dr. Bunchong Kosolcharoen, known as Dr. Tony. “Dr. Tony, director of our Intensive Care Unit and one of our eICU physicians, was elected by hospital staff as our ‘Physician of the Year,’ and we really appreciate him.”

Dr. Johnson introduced new general surgeon, Dr. Albert Wankel, to the group and welcomed back Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Diane Pege.

Dr. Alan Sampson, Dr. Paula Dhanda, Dr. Paul Axtell and Dr. Vernetta Johnson were recognized and honored for their philanthropic service abroad.

Dr. Reddy and Dr. Axtell provided a phone consult to Dr. Dhanda while she was helping a patient overseas in the Republic of Chad. Dr. Johnson ended the evening by reminding his fellow physicians, “We can easily get tunnel vision regarding health care and our place in that paradigm. However, every now and then something happens that reminds us that what we do each day is truly important in the lives of our patients. Lake County may be one of the five poorest counties in California, but that should never detract each of us from working to make the health care delivery here second to none. Sutter Health has partnered with our community to make our hospital one in which we can all be proud. I am certain that partnership will continue to flourish well into this century and beyond.”