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Stefan Kertesz, MD
The Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute for Clinical Excellence at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine has named Stefan Kertesz, MD, the recipient of its 2025 Clinical Excellence Award in recognition of his “extraordinary commitment to clinical excellence and the doctor-patient relationship.”
Dr. Kertesz is an attending physician at the Birmingham VA Health Care System and a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine. A dedicated health systems researcher and patient advocate, he began his career in 1996 as a physician with the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, and ever since, his clinical practice, research, and community advocacy have been devoted to improving care for people who are homeless, marginalized, or experiencing addiction. He has received HSR funding for several studies addressing these issues, including studies of homeless Veterans’ experiences with primary care tailored to their needs; VA’s implementation of the “housing first” model; and the potential benefits and risks— particularly, suicide risk—associated with VA’s reduction in opioid prescriptions. Dr. Kertesz has played a significant role in developing policies on pain management and opioid care, and is also co-host of the On Becoming a Healer podcast.
In its announcement, the Institute wrote that its Clinical Excellence Award “honors physicians who exemplify compassionate care, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Kertesz’s career, guided by the philosophy of Albert Schweitzer—‘I should make my life my argument’—embodies the spirit of this recognition.”
Dr. Kertesz will be formally honored later this fall at the Bucksbaum-Siegler Institute Annual Symposium, where he will deliver the keynote address.
