La Porte and Valparaiso, IN – Northwest Health recognized six members of its medical staffs for their clinical expertise and exceptional dedication during special events held Dec. 2, 2025.

Northwest Health – Porter recognized oncologist and hematologist Tareq Braik, M.D., as the Northwest Health – Porter 2025 Physician of the Year for his steady leadership and collaborative approach to patient care. He was selected by the leaders of the hospital’s medical staff.

“Dr. Braik is admired for his exceptional clinical skill, his thoughtful leadership, and the compassion he shows each patient,” said Dan Doherty, FACHE, chief executive officer at Northwest Health – Porter. “His dedication to delivering high-quality care and his collaborative spirit make him an exceptional member of the medical staff and a trusted colleague.”

The hospital also recognized Joseph Venditti, Jr., M.D., for serving as the president of the medical staff during 2025, as well as internal medicine physician Rashad Hammour, M.D., with the Most Influential Instructor Award for his excellent mentorship and guidance of both the family medicine and internal residents. Hammour is a member of the faculty for Northwest Health’s Internal Medicine Residency program.

Northwest Health – La Porte recognized these three distinguished physicians for their outstanding service, leadership and commitment to delivering quality patient care:

• R.B. Jones Award: Julius Ellis, M.D., for his exemplary service and meaningful impact on patient care through collaboration and compassion.
• G.O. Larson Award: Irfan Ahmad, M.D., for his leadership, clinical excellence and ongoing contributions that strengthen the organization and elevate care.
• William G. Moore Lifetime Contribution Award: Smari Thordarson, M.D., for his remarkable decades of service. As a member of the hospital’s medical staff since 1991, Dr. Ahmad has made a lasting difference at Northwest Health – La Porte through his legacy of commitment and care.

“These honorees represent the very best of who we are as a hospital,” said Mark Casanova, chief executive officer for Northwest Health – La Porte. “Their commitment to our mission – to help people get well and live healthier - inspires all of us and continues to move our organization forward as a leader in patient care.”

To learn more about Northwest Health and its medical staff visit NWHealthIN.com.

About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a regional healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible health care — from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. Northwest Health – Porter is owned in part by physicians. A compassionate team of caregivers work hard to fulfill its mission to help people get well and live healthier. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.