Dr. Ettinger honored with UW Medicine Cares Award

The Department of Emergency Medicine is proud to announce that Dr. Stephen Ettinger has received the UW Medicine Cares Award, which honors individuals who exemplify the UW Medicine Service Culture Guidelines. This award celebrates those who go above and beyond in delivering compassionate, respectful, and inclusive care.

Ettinger was nominated for his extraordinary dedication to service culture values, particularly his compassionate approach, deep respect for patients, and ability to connect meaningfully during their most vulnerable moments. The nomination recounts how he consistently validates patient concerns, communicates at a level that matches each individual’s understanding, and offers calm reassurance that builds trust and eases fear.

“It’s an honor to receive the UW Cares Award, but I also know that this is the standard of care that we deliver every hour of every day in the HMC and UW Montlake Emergency Departments," said Ettinger. "I work alongside a group of amazing clinicians, nurses, and associated staff, many of whom are far better patient advocates than I am, and it’s a privilege to be part of such an exceptional team.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ettinger for this well-deserved recognition and for being a shining example of the care, compassion, and integrity that define UW Medicine.