San Diego’s top doctors recognized for accomplishments in medicine

LA JOLLA This past weekend, over 730 board-certified physicians in 71 specialties were recognized by their peers for their outstanding work. The annual Top Doctors gala hosted on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla brought the best doctors together for a night of celebration inspired by their contributions to the community. The San Diego County Medical Society sponsored the much-anticipated event with the support and assistance of organizer Dr. Steven Poceta, a neurologist among the honorees featured at the event.

The evening allowed San Diego’s top medical professionals to share experiences over cocktails and a catered dinner while separating themselves from the high-intensity environment of their practices, if only for a night. Overlooking the waters of La Jolla with just a hint of rain, specialists in every discipline from plastic surgery to oncology enjoyed the fun night of networking, dancing and more.

Dr. Pacella

With Breast Cancer Awareness month coming to a close, many took this opportunity to raise awareness for the cause by sharing ways they serve patients managing and overcoming the impacts of breast cancer. Among those was Dr. Salvatore Pacella, a local plastic surgeon with a practice in Del Mar specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

“I am truly humbled to be joining my colleagues with this honor as a Top Doctor,” said Dr. Pacella. “I am delighted to be invited to this event in the company of such amazing fellow doctors. I’m sure my colleagues would agree that our biggest reward comes from helping our patients daily … specifically in plastic surgery, to help our patients achieve results they have always dreamed of. Or even more so, return to normal after a life-changing illness.”

Breast cancer impacts the lives of many across the county, and Dr. Pacella has assisted women from all walks of life with reconstructing not only their breasts, but also helping to connect patients for emotional support to conquer the challenges of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  He was joined on Saturday by Dr. Greg Ostrow, a pediatric ophthalmologist who donates his time along with Dr. Pacella to Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to bettering the lives of domestic and international children through free reconstructive surgery to correct birth defects, physical deformities and injuries resulting from abuse.

Renowned anesthesiologists Dr. Michael Capozza and Dr. Todd Austin were also honored, representing a specialty integral to the success of all surgeons and physicians in attendance. For all invited, the event celebrated the exchange of ideas, the reinforcement of professional relationships and the strengthening of friendships throughout the medical community in San Diego.

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