Geisinger Specialist Recognized as “Everyday Hero”

Geisinger physician Amit Munshi Sharma, M.D., an infectious diseases specialist at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) with its Everyday Hero award. This award, launched by PAMED in 2018, is designed to showcase physicians who exceed expectations in their profession and in providing 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.