Employee of the Month - December 2006:  Dr. Peter Morelli, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, has been named Employee of the Month at Stony Brook University Medical Center for December. 

Dr. Morelli is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, and Director of Non-Invasive Pediatric Cardiology.  He founded and runs the Pediatric Preventive Cardiovascular Risk Program, working with children who are overweight, hypertensive, or have hyperlipidemia.  In support of his nomination, pediatric residents praised Dr. Morelli as "an amazing teacher and physician," and "a model citizen and community leader."  He is a past recipient of the Aesculapius Teaching and Outstanding Teacher awards.  In addition to his teaching and patient responsibilities, Dr. Morelli contributes beyond his teaching and patient care responsibilities.  He worked diligently to prepare the pediatric staff for the JCAHO visit, participates in fundraising events that benefit pediatric patients, and is involved in the Medical Center's Quality Assurance Committee, and patient safety initiatives, among other things.  Dr. Morelli is further described as "a shining example of what makes Stony Brook Medical Center a wonderful place to work."