FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Monica Sciuto, Montage Health, (831) 622-2756
Marketing and Communications: (831) 625-4505
Monterey, CA, December 8, 2025 — Pir Shah, MD, was honored by his medical staff peers with the 2025 Hisashi Kajikuri, MD, Physician Recognition Award for his lifetime achievement in outstanding clinical care and service to the hospital, medical staff, and community at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s annual Medical Staff Meeting in October.
“He's one of the most thoughtful, caring, and helpful physicians I've ever known,” said Dr. Gregory Spowart as he presented the award. “He's the type of person who I think could excel at almost anything he wanted to do. And happily for us, he decided to go into medicine and come to this area.”
Shah, an interventional cardiologist, has been dedicated to serving patients at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula for more than 31 years and has served as the division chair for interventional cardiology since 2004.
“He has been an excellent provider who goes above and beyond for his patients and staff,” said a physician who nominated Shah. He has developed special bonds with his patients,” the doctor said, “and those patients say that he shows concern for their care and makes them feel included in discussing treatment options.”
Shah joined Community Hospital’s medical staff in 1994. He went to medical school at Khyber Medical College in Pakistan and completed fellowship training at Stanford University School of Medicine and Sequoia Hospital.
“To anyone who's ever been under his care, he's really meticulous in ensuring that his patients understand their treatment options and what, in his opinion, is the best option for them,” said Dr. Steven Packer, CEO emeritus, Montage Health, who also presented the award. “We are indeed fortunate to have him caring for our community and our families.”
The award Shah received is named for Hisashi Kajikuri, a beloved member of the local medical community who practiced for more than 50 years. Kajikuri died in 2024.
Four other doctors on Community Hospital’s medical staff were also honored by their colleagues:
Excellence and Innovation in Medicine Award
Ryan Casserly, MD, otolaryngologist, for his innovative work with cochlear implants and new role as the operating room cochlear implant surgeon liaison. He received a physician grant from Montage Health Foundation to further his education to provide this service.
Golden Stethoscope Award
Dana McDermott, DO, neurologist, for exemplifying outstanding clinical care and service to the hospital, medical staff, and community. She was nominated for her excellent patient care, thoroughness, and kindness.
Community Service Award
John Ellison, MD, emergency medicine physician, for his exceptional contributions in the form of volunteer services to the community. Ellison was nominated for his service with the Big Sur International Marathon (BSIM). He has served on the BSIM board and as medical director for many years.
Rookie of the Year Award
John Hunter, MD, interventional radiologist, for his outstanding clinical care and service to the hospital, medical staff, and community. He was nominated for bringing a new service line to interventional radiology and for working behind the scenes to provide this excellent service.
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About Montage Health
Montage Health is a nonprofit healthcare organization with deep roots in Monterey County dating back more than 90 years. Independent and locally owned, Montage Health was created by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula to deliver exceptional care to more people. Centered at the hospital, the Montage Health network includes MoGo Urgent Care, Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, Montage Wellness Center, Montage Medical Group for primary and specialty care, Aspire Health Plan, and Ohana, a family-focused youth mental health program. Montage Health is continually investing in healthcare innovations to make the highest standard of care accessible to everyone in Monterey County. Learn more at montagehealth.org.
