In its 51st year, the Riverside Healthcare Foundation's Samaritan of the Year annually recognizes those who have helped Riverside flourish through philanthropy, volunteerism, and going above and beyond. This year, that recognition is bestowed upon Joehar Hamdan, DO, oncologist with the Riverside Cancer Institute.
When thinking about Samaritan, Riverside President and CEO Phil Kambic says he "always thinks of someone who has been committed to Riverside, who has a long history of giving. But also… committed to the community. [Someone] committed to the people of this community and who continually gives back."
With that in mind, Dr. Hamdan was a natural fit. Kambic made the announcement on August 5 during the annual President's Circle Dinner.
Watch Dr. Hamdan's Recognition
"Congratulations and thank you to Dr. Hamdan. He is such a quality person and deserving of this recognition. Thank you so much for all you do for Riverside, for our patients, and for our community at large."
About Dr. Hamdan
About to celebrate ten years with Riverside, Dr. Hamdan sees patients in both the Bourbonnais and Frankfort offices. An Orland Park native, he graduated from Carl Sandburg High School, earned his medical degree at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed his oncology/hematology fellowship at Midwestern University/Franciscan St. James Health.
“Why I chose a career in cancer medicine is because it fascinates me how our Creator made our bodies; understanding cell biology is so vast and deep, with many unknowns,” Dr. Hamdan said. “Great days for me are when a patient who was once in excruciating pain comes back weeks later pain-free and high-fives me in the infusion room. That’s what makes my day.”
Join Us in Celebrating
Dr. Hamdan, who called the recognition "humbling," will be honored again at the annual Samaritan Reception event on September 18. For more information, call Logan Miller in the Foundation Office at 815-933-7799.
About the Samaritan Society
Samaritan of the Year is part of Riverside's Samaritan Society, which recognizes and celebrates the generosity of our philanthropic partners who give gifts totaling $150 or more. The spirit of philanthropy has been at the heart of Riverside since its founding.
Since 1959, when a handful of residents began collecting pledges to build this new hospital, gifts of all sizes have fueled the hospital's forward march toward innovative new therapies, excellence in patient care, and training the next generation of outstanding healthcare professionals.
Want to learn more about our foundation and how you can make a difference?