Two outstanding members of the Phoebe Putney Health System healthcare team, Aedan P. McDonough, MD, and Lauren A. Swain, NP have been named this year’s Phoebe’s Physician of the Year and Advanced Practice Provider of the Year. Their dedication to excellence, compassionate care, and professional achievements embody Phoebe’s mission to improve the health and lives of those the health system serves.

Dr. McDonough joined Phoebe in August 2023 as a Critical Care Intensivist, bringing extensive training and experience from some of the nation’s most demanding clinical environments. He was nominated by several co-workers and praised for his bedside manner and how he handles himself on the job.

“This physician goes way above most physicians. He really cares for his patients. He is always helping the nurses pull up and turn patients. He has held the hand of dying patients. He has also fed patients that could not feed themselves. He has one of the biggest and most caring hearts,” said one nominator.

Dr, McDonough earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Manhattan College, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Saint George’s University School of Medicine, graduating cum laude. He completed an Internal Medicine Residency at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in New Jersey, where he served as Associate Chief Resident and Rapid Response Team Simulation Supervisor.

Following residency, he completed a Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, working in multidisciplinary intensive care units including surgical, transplant, trauma, and medical ICUs. His career also includes training as a General Surgery Resident at Metropolitan Hospital Center, where he developed expertise in rapid response leadership, surgical intensive care, and both laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

“Dr. McDonough consistently goes above and beyond for his patients and team. His exceptional bedside manner, calm demeanor, and willingness to educate make him a standout physician. He never hesitates to help with tasks. He leads by example, treating everyone as equals and always putting patient care first. Truly a team player and an inspiration to all,” said nominator.

APP of the Year, Lauren Swain currently serves as a Nurse Practitioner between the Emergency Center and Intensive Care Unit at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, where she applies her exceptional clinical skill, leadership, and patient advocacy in high-pressure environments. In every nomination letter, staff talked about how Swain’s character and work ethic truly make her shine.

“Having a strong work ethic is a characteristic that everyone should have in order to be successful. Lauren’s work ethic demonstrates respect, responsiveness, caring, and compassion. These values support and respect the dignity and universal rights of all people, including patients, colleagues and families. The impact that Lauren has made on this hospital is immeasurable, and I love seeing that in this community,” wrote one nominator.

A Leesburg native, Swain earned her Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Darton College in 2010 and her master’s degree from Georgia Southwestern State University in 2017. Her early professional experience as a personal assistant strengthened her organizational and communication skills, qualities she now brings to emergency and critical care nursing.

“Lauren is very dedicated to her patients, and the staff she works with. She goes above and beyond to provide fast and compassionate care to our patients, and her experience that she brings elevates the entire department and hospital to top tier status. I’ve had many patients report to me that our patients will travel from other counties to come here because of the kind of care and service PSMC provides, and it’s people like Lauren Swain that keep our patients coming back. She deserves the recognition, and I am proud to have the opportunity to make this special nomination,” another nominator wrote.

Phoebe Physicians includes more than 350 physicians and advanced practice providers who care for patients at four hospital campuses and around 50 primary care, urgent care and specialty care clinics throughout southwest Georgia. Award recipients are expected to exemplify clinical excellence, compassion, and innovation and bring advanced skills, personal dedication, and a passion for patient-centered care to their work.

“Both Lauren and Aedan have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their patients and peers. We are grateful for their leadership and proud to honor their achievements,” said Phoebe Physicians President Dr. Estrellita Redmon.

The Physician of the Year and APP of the Year Awards were presented Thursday night at a Phoebe Physicians banquet at Resora. Any physician or advanced practice provider employed by Phoebe Physicians is eligible to be nominated by patients or colleagues. All nominees are de-identified and reviewed by an awards committee.