Dileep Aiyagari, MD, named an Unsung Hero by American College of Emergency Physicians
Each year the New York Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) selects outstanding and dedicated individuals who work in emergency medicine as Unsung Heroes. Those selected embody the mission of emergency medicine and are committed to their patients and colleagues. Included in ACEP-New York’s 2023 class of Unsung Heroes is Richmond University Medical Center’s Dileep Aiyagari, MD.
“I am honored to receive this award, especially since it reflects not only my work, but the combined efforts of all of our staff in the Emergency Department, where we endeavor to provide outstanding care to our patients,” Dr. Aiyagari said.
A member of the Emergency Department at RUMC for the past four years, Dr. Aiyagari graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA with his BA in Biology. He received his Doctorate of Medicine at Albany Medical College in Albany, NY. He then completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital Center in Manhattan. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine.
“Dr. Dileep Aiyagari lives, breathes and practices the spirit of our Emergency Department,” RUMC’s Chair of Emergency Medicine, Johnathon LeBaron, DO, MBA, FACEP, said. “Dr. Aiyagari has been here for four years and in that time has endeared himself to his colleagues, nurses, and the patients of our community. He truly enjoys working here (at RUMC) and enjoys the people he works with.”
Earlier this year, RUMC opened its new 35,000 sq. ft. James P. Molinaro Emergency Department, which features expanded trauma and triage areas, and dedicated units for pediatrics, cardiac/stroke emergencies, sexual assault victims, and more. The new Emergency Department also has increased ambulance bays and a larger patient drop off area at its front entrance.
“This past year we moved our entire department into a new Emergency Department facility that was significantly larger,” Dr. LeBaron said. “I was afraid with the move we would lose the culture and community that made this department great. With his smile, positive attitude, and true pride in his department, Dr. Aiyagari made sure that culture carried over to our new department.”
RUMC is an American College of Surgeons (ACS) and New York State Department of Health designated Level I Adult Trauma and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center. This designation means RUMC has trained medical staff, nurses, equipment, and protocols in place to treat all adult and pediatric patients in need of emergency care. RUMC is also a nationally recognized stoke center, Staten Island’s only provider of inpatient behavioral health services for adolescents, and the borough’s only New York State Department of Health certified Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Center of Excellence.
According to ACEP-New York, a New York State Emergency Medicine Unsung Hero “goes beyond simply being the embodiment of what it means to be an emergency physician. They are a stalwart of the emergency department, who is deeply committed to the mission of the emergency department, their colleagues, co-worker and patients. The unsung hero is always willing to help a colleague – within the clinical environment or not. They are the trusted individual who is known to bring comfort and a smile to the faces of all those around.”
The New York American College of Emergency Physicians represents over 3,200 dedicated professionals committed to supporting quality emergency medical care and promoting the interests of emergency physicians across New York State.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
