Five doctors awarded for excellence, innovation, community service

Every year, doctors on staff with Montage Health’s Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula gather for a special celebration to honor their peers who go above and beyond in caring for the community. This year, five extraordinary doctors were recognized for their outstanding care, innovation, compassion, and community service.

Hisashi Kajikuri, MD, Physician Recognition Award

The highest honor of the evening, the 2025 Hisashi Kajikuri, MD, Physician Recognition Award, was presented to Pir Shah, MD, an interventional cardiologist whose impact spans more than three decades. His colleagues describe him as meticulous, thoughtful, and deeply committed to his patients.

“He's one of the most thoughtful, caring, and helpful physicians I've ever known,” says Gregory Spowart, MD, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon who presented the award. “He's the type of person who excels at everything he does.”

Shah has cared for patients at Community Hospital since 1994 after medical school at Khyber Medical College in Pakistan and a fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine and Sequoia Hospital.

The award is named for Hisashi Kajikuri, a beloved member of the local medical community who practiced for more than 50 years. Kajikuri died in 2024.

Excellence and Innovation in Medicine Award

Ryan Casserly, MD, otolaryngology, for his innovative work with cochlear implants and new role as the operating room cochlear implant surgeon liaison. He received a continuing education grant from Montage Health Foundation to advance his specialized training in cochlear implant surgery and care.

Golden Stethoscope Award

Dana McDermott, DO, neurology, 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, for his long-time volunteer services to the community. He served as a Carmel Unified School District trustee for 10 years and is currently the medical director and an associate board member of the Big Sur International Marathon.

Rookie of the Year Award

John Hunter, MD, interventional radiology, 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 working behind the scenes to provide this excellent service.