Infectious diseases specialist recognized as “Everyday Hero” by Pennsylvania Medical Society
The award showcases those who go above and beyond in patient care
Dr. Sharma was nominated by his peers due to his clinical work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work included effectively treating and managing more than 1,000 patients admitted to Geisinger Community Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the efficient use of the electronic medical record by designing specific smart phrases to improve work efficiency. He designed an infection control approved workflow document for obtaining consent from patients affected with COVID-19 who agreed to take convalescent plasma, while providing effective and continuous training and teaching of trainees (residents and students) about donning and doffing of personal protective gear during the pandemic. Dr. Sharma was also involved in international collaboration with researchers through webinars about various and aspects of COVID-19 treatment.
Upon receiving the award, Dr. Sharma was surprised and humbled. “I don’t like being singled out, but then I realized this is really a recognition for my entire team. We worked hard before COVID and even harder since, so it really means a lot to be recognized,” he said.
To his colleagues and team, he is known as the “meducator” for his love of education and “paying it forward” to the team around him.
Dr. Sharma was born in India, where he attended medical school at B.J. Medical College Pune. He completed his residency and a fellowship in infectious diseases at the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University where he also earned his master’s degree in public health. When asked why he chose to focus on infectious diseases, Dr. Sharma said, “I love to solve puzzles and figure things out. That’s how infectious diseases is for me. When I can study something and come to a conclusion, that’s how I am rewarded.”
Patients and medical colleagues can nominate PAMED member physicians for this award at pamedsoc.org/everydayhero.
About the Pennsylvania Medical Society
PAMED is a physician-led, member-driven organization representing all physicians and medical students throughout the state. We advocate for physicians and their patients, educate physicians through continuing medical education, and provide expert resources and guidance to help physicians and their organizations navigate challenges in today’s ever-evolving health care system. For more information, visit www.pamedsoc.org.
About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 126 care sites — including 10 hospital campuses — and Geisinger Health Plan, with more than half a million members in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $15 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
