The Dolphin Award
Celebrating Physicians Who Lead with Empathy, Collaboration, and Excellence
Honoring the incredible doctors making a difference in patients’ lives every day—across the globe.
Do you want to thank your physician and recognize their extraordinary care?
Nominate them today and let the world know their impact.
Our Newest Dolphin Award Honorees
Honoring exceptional physicians who inspire by Engaging, Empathizing, and Empowering their colleagues, staff, patients, and families—every single day.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Heart & Vascular Institute
"Making Everyone Want to Be Better"
"Dr. Rodriguez transforms every surgical meeting into a masterclass of collaboration. She listens to every team member—from residents to surgical techs—making each person feel valued and heard. When a family faced their child's complex heart surgery, she spent two hours explaining the procedure, drawing diagrams, and ensuring they felt completely supported. Her residents say she doesn't just teach surgery; she teaches them how to be better human beings."
Nominated by the Surgical Team Collective
Dr. James Okafor
Emergency Medicine Physician
Metro General Emergency Department
"Inspiring the Best of Humanity"
"During the busiest nights in the ER, Dr. Okafor creates calm in the storm. He remembers every nurse's name, celebrates their wins, and supports them through difficult cases. Patients leave feeling heard and cared for, even in 15-minute encounters. He started a peer support program after noticing a colleague struggling, and now the entire department feels like a family. His example ripples through the hospital—everyone wants to work a shift with him."
Nominated by the Emergency Department Staff
Dr. Maria Santos
Pediatric Oncologist
Children's Cancer Center
""Making the World Better"
"Dr. Santos doesn't just treat cancer; she heals hearts and spirits. She created 'Hope Rounds' where the entire care team—doctors, nurses, social workers, even housekeeping—meet weekly to celebrate small victories and support each other through losses. Families say she gives them strength they didn't know they had. Her colleagues describe feeling privileged to work alongside someone who shows them what medicine at its finest looks like."
Nominated by Families and Care Team
The Physician’s Journey
Honoring the extraordinary commitment and sacrifices physicians make in their lifelong mission to heal, comfort, and inspire others.
Academic Dedication
Years of intensive study, financial sacrifice, and personal commitment to master the art and science of medicine.
Clinical Training
Demanding residency and fellowship programs requiring physical endurance, emotional resilience, and continuous learning.
Professional Responsibility
Carrying the weight of life-and-death decisions while maintaining work-life balance and personal relationships.
Lifelong Impact
Continuing to grow, adapt, and serve communities while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Recent Dolphin Award Recipients
Celebrating remarkable physicians who embody the true spirit of empathy, collaboration, and excellence in every aspect of care.
Dr. Sarah Martinez
Emergency Medicine
Metro General Hospital
“Dr. Martinez transforms every crisis into an opportunity for teamwork and compassion. Her leadership during our busiest nights is truly inspiring.”
Dr. Michael Chen
Pediatric Cardiology
Children's Heart Center
“His ability to explain complex procedures to families while coordinating seamlessly with our surgical team makes him exceptional.”
Dr. Lisa Thompson
Internal Medicine
University Medical Center
“Dr. Thompson’s mentorship and collaborative approach have transformed our residency program and improved patient outcomes.”
What is The Dolphin Award?
The Dolphin Award is a prestigious honor celebrating extraordinary physicians who go above and beyond—demonstrating compassion, collaboration, and excellence in every aspect of care.
What Does It Mean to Receive a Dolphin Award?
Being honored with a Dolphin Award means you have made an unforgettable impact on the life of a patient, family, or colleague. It signifies that your compassion, collaboration, and excellence have left a lasting mark.
As a Dolphin Award Honoree, you join a global community of extraordinary physicians who are celebrated not just once—but for a lifetime. Wherever your career takes you, the honor and recognition of being a Dolphin Award recipient follow you.
Our Partners
We’re proud to collaborate with leading healthcare organizations that share our commitment to excellence, compassion, and innovation in care.
HealthSystem One
Medical Excellence Corp
Physician Partners
Healthcare Innovation
National Medical Group
Regional Health Network
Contact Us
These Are the Physicians Who Make Us All Want to Be Better
Their unwavering dedication—engaging with purpose, empathizing with compassion, and empowering with grace—reflects the very best of humanity in healthcare.
Join us in celebrating their impact. Nominate a physician today.