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Rye Doctor Honored With 'Patient First' Award

RYE, N.Y. - Homegrown Rye resident and Westmed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Edward Gundy has been announced as the recipient of the Rye-based medical company's "Dr. Leonard Finkelstien Patient First Award" for 2011. The award, which is named in honor of Rye Brook resident and former United Hospital President of medical staff Dr. Leonard Finkelsteinn, means a little extra to Dr. Gundy.

"It was an honor to get this award mostly because Len Finkelstein was sort of a mentor for me in my early years of my practice at United Hospital," Gundy said. "I knew him quite well and I knew the flavor of his practice. He always took his time to talk with his patients and share with them, so for me to get the award was an honor."

According to the selection committee, the award is given to the doctor who best embodies Dr. Finkelstein's ideals as a "patient first" doctor.

"The award is given to the a doctor demonstratingthe highest level of clinical quality with compassion and selfless devotion to patient care,” said Dr. Jen Johnson, chair of the award's nominating committee. “Dr. Gundy is a physician well respected by his colleagues and his office staff and is beloved of his patients."

Dr. Gundy, who previously served as chair of Westmed's Board of Directors for five years, spoke about what it means to grow up in Rye and how his roots in the community have afforded him an opportunity to truly connect with his patients.

"Growing up in Rye was a privilege. I went to the high school and got in some trouble and it was a rich experience," Gundy said. "Today I still find it a broadly based community with a lot of regular people and I enjoy that. I feel like I know my patients at a level that my colleagues who live in Connecticut might not because they've never gone to Jerry's for a sandwich or been to Milton Point."

Dr. Gundy, who grew up the son of a local physician, raised his two sons and daughter in Rye one of whom is doctor in Boston.

"Part of being a local doctor is fielding questions from your neighbors at football games or church," Gundy said. "While most doctors might not like that I don't mind it. I enjoy doing what I do."

Westmed Medical Group's Rye offices are located at 1 Theall Road, Rye, Tel. (914) 848-8888.

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