Compassion in Action: Honoring Our Physicians

Answering the call to be a doctor is a vocation - a demanding path driven by deep meaning and purpose, with the profound responsibility of caring for patients and families during meaningful and challenging moments.

Ascension's commitment to care is captured in our Mission, but it is truly lived out by the physicians who serve patients day in and day out. Today, on Doctors' Day, we celebrate physicians across the country who go above and beyond for our patients, delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

Florida:

Martin A. Martino, MD, FACS, FACOG, is a gynecologic oncologist at Ascension St. Vincent's in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Martino is double board-certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, with specialized expertise in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. His advanced robotic surgical expertise allows for less invasive options, often performed through smaller incisions with a faster recovery time.

Dr. Martino has a special interest in caring for patients with gynecologic malignancies and complex benign gynecological conditions. He also has special expertise in reproductive surgery (fertility-enhancing surgery), endometriosis, as well as robot-assisted/minimally invasive surgery. His care goal is to take care of patients as if they are part of his family.

Illinois:

David Bordo, MD, MBA, FACEP, is the Chief Clinical Officer for Ascension Illinois and is the Interim Chief Medical Officer for Alexian Brothers Medical Center. He earned his medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School and went on to build a career at the intersection of clinical care and healthcare leadership, with a focus on improving quality, coordination, and system sustainability.

Dr. Bordo is committed to advancing high-quality, patient-centered care across the communities he serves. He leads market-wide clinical strategy, overseeing acute and specialty hospitals while driving improvements in patient safety, care coordination, and operational performance. His work reflects a deep focus on delivering better outcomes for patients while strengthening the systems that support their care. Throughout his career, Dr. Bordo has championed innovative programs that enhance access and efficiency, including expanding coordinated care models, strengthening palliative care services, and advancing initiatives that improve both patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Indiana:

Maram A. Said, DO, is a board-certified gynecologist (OB-GYN) at Ascension St. Vincent in Carmel, where she specializes in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and comprehensive women's health. She earned her medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at St. Vincent Indianapolis.

Dr. Said is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate care to women at every stage of life. Her approach emphasizes not only clinical excellence, but also listening closely to each patient's needs and empowering them in their care journey. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Said serves as Medical Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Services and is a passionate educator, mentoring the next generation of physicians. Fluent in English and Arabic, she is committed to expanding access to high-quality care for diverse communities across Central Indiana.

Kansas:

Dr. Bala Bhimavarapu, M.D. is a pediatric hospitalist at Via Christi St. Francis, where he is dedicated to caring for the youngest and most vulnerable patients in the community. He earned his medical degree from Deccan College of Medical Sciences and completed his residency at the University of Kansas.

Dr. Bhimavarapu's commitment to pediatrics is deeply personal, shaped by his own experiences navigating medical challenges as a child. That perspective informs the compassionate, attentive care he provides every day. Whether caring for a newborn or treating an acutely ill child, he is focused on easing fear and uncertainty for both patients and their families, bringing comfort and reassurance during some of life's most difficult moments.

Oklahoma:

Rachel P. Tyler, MD is a trauma surgeon dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients during some of their most critical moments. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she earned a medical degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans, completed surgical residency at the University of Texas Southwestern, and went on to complete a trauma fellowship at Louisiana State University in New Orleans.

Guided by a deep connection to Ascension's Mission, Dr. Tyler approaches care with empathy and understanding, recognizing how each patient's circumstances shape their health and recovery. She is also driven by a strong sense of optimism in the power of teamwork, working closely with colleagues across disciplines to continuously improve trauma care for the community.

Tennessee:

Julia E. Gomez, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician at Ascension Saint Thomas in Brentwood, Tennessee, where she provides comprehensive primary care for individuals and families. With more than 25 years of experience, she is dedicated to preventive care, chronic disease management, and helping patients achieve their long-term health goals.

Dr. Gomez is known for the meaningful relationships she builds with her patients. She takes the time to listen, understand their health concerns, and develop personalized care plans that support their overall well-being. Her compassionate approach ensures that every patient feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their care journey. Guided by a deep commitment to Ascension's Mission, Dr. Gomez treats each patient like family, going above and beyond to coordinate care, connect patients to the right resources, and follow up to ensure they feel confident in their health decisions.

Wisconsin:

Steven I. Levin, MD is a board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital where he provides advanced surgical care for patients with complex heart and chest conditions. Dr. Levin brings a strong sense of discipline and purpose to his work, shaped in part by more than a decade of military service. His experience serving in the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Army Reserves has reinforced his commitment to teamwork, precision, and delivering high-quality care in high-pressure situations.

Known for his steady presence and thoughtful approach, Dr. Levin is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for his patients. His work reflects a deep commitment to service, combining clinical expertise with compassion to support patients and families through complex and critical moments.