In this section
Dismiss Modal

National Doctors' Day, observed annually on March 30, is a special occasion to honor the vital contributions of physicians to the health and well-being of individuals and communities. It serves as an important reminder to appreciate the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices made by physicians throughout the year. 

This year, GBMC proudly celebrates our exceptional physicians and honors a transformative leader who has profoundly impacted the care we provide to our community. After 15 years of visionary leadership, our esteemed President and CEO, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, is set to retire in June 2025. Dr. Chessare’s commitment to patient-centered care, healthcare innovation, and refining GBMC’s approach to medicine has set a remarkable standard. His guiding principle — asking, “What if it was your loved one?” — has shaped our approach to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. 

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Chessare has been a strong advocate for advanced primary care, preventive health, chronic disease management, and continuous quality improvement. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic earned the trust of both staff and the community. Dr. Chessare leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, patient-centered innovation, and a lasting commitment to healthcare excellence. 

This National Doctors' Day, we invite our community to honor Dr. Chessare and his invaluable contributions to GBMC and beyond. Please consider leaving a note or making a gift in his honor. Together, let us celebrate the incredible impact of a leader who has given so much to our community. 

National Doctors’ Day is an opportunity for our community to support the physicians who have significantly impacted their lives, and those of their loved ones. Every GBMC doctor lives by the standards set by our President and CEO, Dr. John Chessare. 

Featured here are some of GBMC’s doctors who receive regular accolades from our community. Please take a moment to leave a note or make a gift in honor of your GBMC doctors. Each note is shared with the doctors, who truly appreciate your kind words. 

Dr. Robert Donegan

Dr. Robert Donegan serves as the chief of medical oncology in the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. Patients appreciate that Dr. Donegan cares for them as whole individuals, not just as patients. Dr. Donegan takes into consideration spiritual, emotional, and quality of life concerns that patients might face throughout their journey. Here are just a few of the many heartfelt words shared in his honor. 

“I have a more than 10-year relationship with Dr. Donegan, beginning with my daughter's treatments and then mine. He is very intelligent, professional, and competent. But more than that, he is sincere and warm during times we were scared and unsure of life.” - Lynn 

“You are hands down the best doctor I've ever had in my life. What makes you so special is your humanity. You are patient and listen well. You were made to be an oncologist. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for leading my life-saving team.” - Karissa 

“I had stage 4 colon cancer. I wouldn't be here without Dr. Donegan. Dr. Donegan and everyone at GBMC are the kind of people that get you to the end zone." - Bob 

Dr. Clara Anizoba 

Dr. Clara Anizoba, an internal medicine physician, specializes in the detection and prevention of illnesses and maintenance of wellness. She works to prevent and treat diseases, helping her patients to live full, healthy lives. She also focuses on assisting patients through the emotional journey that might accompany physical illnesses. Below are a few of many messages from her grateful patients. 

“You are the MOST caring doctor that I've ever known! Thank you for being the dedicated, thoughtful, and compassionate doctor that you are! There are not enough words to express my gratitude.” - Mirose 

“I'm very grateful for Dr. Anizoba & I truly appreciate the time & care she gives to me and my family. May all the guidance and healthy speeches you give to all be returned to you and your family!” - Roslyn 

“A wonderful thanks to Dr. Anizoba for just being the most wonderful, compassionate, caring doctor ever. I can't say enough about her. Outstanding in every way.” - Vickie 

Dr. Rachel Plotnick

Dr. Rachel Plotnick is a board-certified pediatrician with the GBMC Pediatric Group. Dr. Plotnick, beloved by many, cares for children of all ages and has a special interest in infant nutrition and child psychiatry. Below are just a few of the kind messages that Dr. Plotnick receives from her patients' parents. 

"Dr. Rachel Plotnick is truly like family to us. Our children are happy to be in her care, and as parents, we are truly grateful for her calming presence, profound knowledge, and empathetic guidance through every stage of parenting." - Samantha 

“Thank you for your kind and compassionate care. It gives me such peace of mind to know that you are always so responsive. I am honored to have you as our family's pediatrician.” - Molly 

“Thank you for being there for us - in the joyous times and in the challenging times. A visit with you always puts me at ease. We trust and value you immensely!” - Tim

To make a gift or leave a note for your GBMC Doctors, visit www.gbmc.org/doctorsday

Related Articles
Read article
Practical Parenting: We’re Talking Discipline

Disciplining children is one of the most difficult aspects of parenting. Emotions run high and parental r...

Read article
Dedicated to Giving: Harvey Shankman’s Remarkable Legacy

On January 21, 2025, GBMC and the community lost a true friend whose loyalty seemed boundless. Harvey Sha...

Read article
The Newest Member of the Philanthropy Team Knows GBMC Well

Jessica Schlee joined the GBMC Philanthropy Department in early January 2025. This moment marked the culm...

Read article
Transformative Gifts Drive the Renovation of Radiation Oncology

It is a new day in cancer care at GBMC. Patients are meeting their oncology teams in the welcoming, sunli...