Eight UBMD physicians named 2024 Unsung Heroes

This award recognizes those physicians who go “above and beyond for their colleagues, patients and community,” according to the NY ACEP announcement. The impact of those recognized “goes well beyond those they directly treat. They train young clinicians, share their skills, knowledge and experience and are always willing to do whatever is needed for their patients and colleagues.”

Awardees were nominated to the ACEP by their department chair for consideration.  Please join us in honoring these true leaders in emergency medicine.

This year’s awardees are:

• Kelsey Helak, MD
• Elizabeth Hendricks, DO
• Marc Klementowski, MD
• Geoffrey Schweikhard, DO
• Sarah Sonenberg, MD
• Kaori Tanaka, MD
• Renoj Varughese, MD
• Stephanie Wodowski, DO

In addition to providing care throughout Western New York, these physicians are faculty members at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, teaching medical students and residents and researching to improve emergency care.

The following includes more information on the 2024 Unsung Heroes, including excerpts from their nominations.

Kelsey Helak, MD
Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital

Dr. Helak graduated from the University at Buffalo (UB) Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences in 2015 and completed her Emergency Medicine Residency at UB in 2018. She is a dedicated member of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences with a superior work ethic, teaching the next generation of doctors and researching to advance care in WNY and beyond. 

Elizabeth Hendricks, MD
DeGraff Memorial Hospital

Dr. Hendricks graduated from the University at Buffalo (UB) Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences in 2013.  Following graduation, she completed her Emergency Medicine Residency at UB as well.  She then went on to work clinically in Rochester and currently works clinically in Buffalo.  She is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at UB.  She has won several awards, including the UB Academic Honors award.

Marc Klementowski, MD
Mount St. Mary’s Hospital

Dr. Klementowski is a true pillar of the Emergency Department at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital.  He has been providing emergency care to this community from this ED for nearly 30 years. He graduated from the University at Buffalo (UB) Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences.  He then completed his internship and residency in Family Medicine through the University of Buffalo as well.  

Geoffrey Schweikhard, DO
Wyoming County Community Hospital

Dr. Schweikhard competed his completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at UB in 2015.  He is a physician in the UBMD Emergency Medicine Community Division, and an extremely dedicated physician at WCCHS. He is the EMS medical director for Wyoming County, and is a great physician leader in the EMS community of Wyoming County.

Sarah Sonenberg, MD
Buffalo General Medical Center

Dr. Sonenberg graduated summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo (UB) Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences in 2019. She completed her Emergency Medicine Residency at the in 2022, and completed an EM Ultrasound Fellowship in 2023, both at UB.  Dr. Sonenberg is a great teacher and mentor for EM residents and medical students and has great compassion for her patients.

Kaori Tanaka, DO, MSPH, FACEP, FAMPA, FAEMS
Erie County Medical Center & Buffalo General Medical Center

Dr. Tanaka completed her Emergency Medicine Residency and EMS Fellowship at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences. She is dual board certified in Emergency Medicine (ABEM) and Emergency Medical Services (ABEM), with specialty training in EMS, Critical Care Air Transport Medicine and Tactical Medicine.  She serves as the medical director for multiple EMS agencies as well as for Mercy Flight, Inc. Dr. Tanaka’s research interests focus on air medical services, disaster medicine, emergency medical services, and tactical medicine. Dr. Tanaka is a model of professionalism and a true leader for our group, and has received many awards and honors in the field of Emergency Medicine.

Renoj Varughese, MD
VAMC Buffalo, Buffalo General Medical Center & Erie County Medical Center

Dr. Varughese Completed his Emergency Medicine Residency in 2019 and Fellowship in Emergency Medicine Services in 2020, both at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences. He is an attending physician in the emergency department and serves as an assistant medical director of American Medical Response WNY. He is very involved in developing telemedicine solutions. He helped launch Kaleida's and ECMC’s Virtual ER. Dr. Varughese is also the Telemedicine Director of Buffalo MATTERS. He manages telemedicine projects that help initiate medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder to those unable to get to such services.

Stephanie Wodowski, DO
Lockport Memorial Hospital

Dr. Wodowski completed her Residency in Emergency Medicine at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biological Sciences. She is an exceptional clinician who handles the most complex cases with skill and compassion. Dr. Wodowski worked in large and small emergency departments across the country before returning to Western New York. She is always focused on improving processes, policies, and efficiency to benefit patients.  She actively elevates the morale of those around her and brings a positive mindset to every shift.  Dr. Wodowski’s empathy and compassion for the local community is evident in how she approaches every shift and every patient.  Her passion for this community and for preserving their access to the highest level of healthcare is recognized by all.