12/20/2025
I was surprised when I received the phone call that I would be the recipient of the Adeline Fagan Physician Service to the Community Award from the Onondaga County Medical Society.
I am in awe of Dr. Fagan, a 28-year-old physician who died of COVID as she valiantly sought to save others from this same disease. Only in her second year of OB residency far from her CNY home, she helped in the ER as the influx of viral patients overwhelmed the hospital. Unfortunately, she contracted the disease before the vaccine became available.
I felt honored to be seated with Adeline's parents and to be among the dedicated physicians and their families here in Onondaga County, who serve their community everyday despite the risks to themselves. That is part of the promise of being a doctor. I am proud to be in their ranks and carry Dr. Fagan's memory.
I am stronger with it.
