Erik J. Stratman, M.D., dermatologist at Marshfield Medical Center, was awarded the 2024 C. Todd Stewart Clinical Excellence Award at a recent Marshfield Clinic Health System Board meeting.
The ​award honors the legacy of Dr. Charles Todd Stewart, who served his patients and his community as a dedicated pediatric intensivist, passionate child advocate and visionary leader. Dr. Stewart died suddenly at age 48 while serving as Marshfield Clinic vice president. The Stewart family's Janet Stewart and Suzanne Wright, M.D., co-chair of the Stewart Award Committee, presented the award this year.
Dedication to MCHS, teaching and our patients
Dr. Stratman has been with the Health System for more than 20 years. He serves as Service Line medical director for Dermatology and is the Dermatology Resident Program Director. He is a member of many professional societies and has been involved in dozens of quality and safety committees for MCHS.
In a letter from a nominator, they stated, “Dr. Stratman is a true physician leader and takes the role very seriously. I have personally seen him teach residents and he is always calm and takes time to ensure his students understand and are competent in their abilities. He is highly respected throughout the system as the leading dermatologist and is often looked to for guidance and advice. Dr. Stratman is a man of highest integrity and his strength of character is evident in both his professional and personal accomplishments. Dr. Stratman believes very strongly in giving back to his community and has spent many years donating time and resource to improving the lives of our youth."
Dr. Stratman was noted to be extraordinarily committed to improving the lives of patients, especially showcased by the 2003 outbreak of Monkey Pox that impacted dozens of people in a local community.
“One of those pediatric patients saw Dr. Stratman and he immediately knew this was something never seen before. He took pictures of what he saw, and those photos are still used by the CDC today. With the help of other colleagues at MCHS, Dr. Stratman diagnosed the first cases of Monkey Pox. He and his team were able to lead the Nation in what to watch for, and his work paved the way to a better discovery of cases," the nomination read. “With the recent outbreak of Monkey Pox in the summer of 2022, Dr. Stratman continued to be consulted to evaluate possible cases."
A nod to outstanding commitment
The purpose of the C. Todd Stewart Clinical Excellence Award is to recognize an outstanding Health System provider for excellence in clinical care and service.
“It is a real privilege and joy to honor Todd and his commitment to excellence," Dr. Wright said in her presentation at the award ceremony. “During hard times, these [nomination] letters remind us of the joy of medicine, the art of medicine and the humanity of medicine."
The award shines light on Dr. Stratman's dedication to the mission, vision and values of the Health System.
“I do not believe there is anyone more deserving of this award than Dr. Erik Stratman. He provides the highest quality of care to each and every patient he serves. He is a family man that gives his heart and soul to the community he loves. We are so fortunate to have his superb clinical expertise while also being a pillar of the community," a nominator said.
Following his recognition, Dr. Stratman shared, “I am so humbled and honored to receive this award. Todd Stewart was a friend and colleague, and I am proud to receive this award named for him. He was not only a great clinician and teacher but also a great family man and great leader in times of corporate identity struggles. I think we can all strive to embrace Todd's commitment to the Clinic during challenging times and to clinical excellence. I would like to thank those who nominated me and all the other clinicians, and thanks to the selection committee."
Dr. Wright also shares her thanks for all who sent in a nomination and a congratulations to all 2024 nominees.
“It is such a delight and honor to see all the wonderful comments, to feel the appreciation and to witness the awe that you have inspired," she said.