ChristianaCare Medical-Dental Staff Recognizes Exceptional Physicians

The ChristianaCare Medical-Dental Staff recently held its 26^th annual awards banquet to recognize the notable achievements of its members and their exceptional contributions to the community. This year’s event welcomed an impressive turnout, with more than 275 physicians and guests gathering to celebrate our Medical-Dental Staff.

“Tonight, we once again gather to give thanks, celebrate our colleagues and enjoy the connections that bring us together as a medical community,” said Caitlin Halbert, D.O., president of the Medical-Dental Staff. “Through all of the change around us, our connection to one another remains one of our greatest strengths. Thank you for the extraordinary care you provide to our patients, for the support you offer one another and for all that you contribute to ChristianaCare and the communities we are privileged to serve.”

The evening also was a particularly meaningful opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous work our Medical-Dental staff has done to lead and support ChristianaCare’s Epic go-live on Oct. 3. ChristianaCare President and CEO Jenn Schwartz joined the celebration.

The event carried a relaxed yet festive note with a semi-acoustic performance from the Bare Soul band.

The culmination of the evening was the awards presentation, which honored distinguished physicians for their commitment to leadership, education, research, collaboration and patient-centered care at ChristianaCare.

Commendation for Excellence: Neil Hockstein, M.D.

Neil Hockstein, M.D., has received the 2026 ChristianaCare Medical-Dental Staff Commendation for Excellence Award, recognizing more than two decades of clinical excellence, innovation, leadership, education and service to Delaware.

Since joining ChristianaCare in 2005, Hockstein has become a respected otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, specializing in complex thyroid, parathyroid and head and neck cancer surgery. A pioneer in robotic surgery, he was the first otolaryngologic surgeon in the country to successfully perform a robotic laryngectomy and helped advance techniques and instrumentation for robotic otolaryngologic surgery.

As director of Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Care at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute and medical director of Surgical Subspecialty Services, Hockstein has helped expand coordinated, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex diagnoses and strengthen otolaryngologic services across ChristianaCare.

His work in head and neck oncology has helped change standards of care and directly benefited patients, including efforts involving radiation dose de-escalation, treatment of high-risk skin cancer, HPV-related head and neck cancer surveillance, statewide access to ctDNA testing, and innovative palliative strategies for frail patients with advanced disease.

His contributions also extend to research and education. Hockstein has published extensively and mentored medical students, residents, fellows and aspiring physicians.

His service to Delaware has been equally significant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hockstein chaired New Castle County’s Eradicate the Virus Task Force and helped expand testing and vaccine access. His continuing public service includes leadership with the Delaware Health Care Commission and efforts to improve health care access, affordability and equity.

He was nominated by colleagues Mathew Rubino, M.D., MBA., FACS, chair of Surgery; Adam Raben, M.D., chair of Radiation Oncology; and Jon Strasser, M.D., of Radiation Oncology.

“Dr. Hockstein’s career represents the very best of academic medicine, clinical excellence, physician leadership, innovation, education and community service,” his nomination read. “He is an inspiring colleague, a trusted mentor and an unwavering advocate for patients.”

Rising Star Awards

At the awards banquet, the Medical-Dental Staff recognized eight physicians as Rising Stars, acknowledging their outstanding achievements as leaders, teachers and clinicians. They were nominated by department heads, service line leaders and other colleagues.

Congratulations to the winners, shown here with their nominators, colleagues and Caitlin Halbert, D.O., president of the Medical Executive Committee:

Ayoka Adams, M.D., medical director of Ambulatory Women’s Health, leads initiatives to improve early entry into prenatal care, postpartum care coordination and access to women’s health services. Since joining ChristianaCare in 2022, she has focused her practice, research and volunteerism on improvements in care delivery. “Dr. Adams is well respected by colleagues and other caregivers for her clinical excellence, teaching, leadership and patient advocacy,” said Kaveeta Vinaya Kumar, M.D., MBA, FACOG, CHCQM, chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Morganne Castiglione, M.D., has distinguished herself through leadership across emergency medicine and prehospital care. As medical director of the Middletown Emergency Department, she guides clinical quality and operations, and she serves as a leader with the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services and as base station medical director for Cecil County Campus. She also mentors residents and supports fellow caregivers. “Dr. Castiglione’s blend of clinical leadership, EMS innovation and mentorship exemplifies what it means to be a Rising Star in emergency medicine,” said Lauren Cooksey, M.D., chair of Emergency Medicine. Kate Groner, M.D., FACEP, presented the award to Castiglione.

Shivdeep Deo, M.D., brings expertise in family medicine, emergency medicine and point-of-care ultrasound to her work as a clinician and educator. She has helped integrate ultrasound education into Family Medicine while teaching skills including echocardiography, obstetric ultrasound, vascular access and procedural care. Her work also supports expansion of HIV testing in the Emergency Department, reproductive health education and early pregnancy loss care. “With Dr. Deo, excellence multiplies. She makes the people around her better,” said Erin Kavanaugh, M.D., FAAFP, chair of Family and Community Medicine.

Hisham Hatoum, D.D.S., M.D., serves as section chief for maxillofacial oncology and associate program director for ChristianaCare’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program. His work encompasses complex clinical care, education, patient advocacy and emerging research, including collaboration on CRISPR and its potential applications to oral cancer. “Dr. Hatoum is a skilled surgeon, dedicated educator, a relentless patient advocate and a developing clinical researcher,” said Dan Meara, M.D., D.M.D., chair of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Hospital Dentistry.

Josephine Mokonogho, M.D., is advancing patient care, medical education and program development as the founding program director of ChristianaCare’s new Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship. Through the program, she is helping prepare the next generation of physicians while bringing a collaborative, whole-person approach to psychiatric care. “Dr. Mokonogho’s collaborative spirit and dedication to empowering colleagues across disciplines demonstrate what it means to serve with love and continuously seek excellence,” said nominator Vishesh Agarwal, MBBS, vice chair of Psychiatry.

Ramya Rao, M.D., is leading education and quality improvement initiatives in neuroradiology. She developed a monthly lecture series, coordinating speakers and programming for neuroradiologists. She is advancing her interest in optimizing neuro protocols, working with application specialists to improve image quality. Her academic interests have also led to multiple publications and submissions with residents. “Her intellectual curiosity for academic work in neuroradiology is remarkable,” wrote Chris DeMauro, M.D. (pictured), vice chair of Radiology, and Kathleen Eldridge, M.D., chair of Medicine, in their nomination.

Asanthi Ratnasekera, D.O., has emerged as a leader in ChristianaCare’s trauma program through quality improvement, multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based care. She has led multidisciplinary initiatives focused on trauma systems, patient safety and clinical outcomes while developing research in trauma outcomes, clinical decision support, implementation science and health care quality. “Dr. Ratnasekera possesses the qualities that define an effective academic leader: integrity, intellectual curiosity, humility, resilience and the ability to bring diverse teams together around a common goal,” said nominator Matthew Rubino, M.D., MBA, chair of Surgery.

Steve Rybicki, M.D., provides clinical leadership for the Wilmington Adult Medicine practice, supporting its patients, residents and caregivers. His work to strengthen the practice and its learning environment has earned particular recognition from Medicine residents, who have cited improvements within Wilmington Adult Medicine and the quality of their educational experience. “Dr. Rybicki is a steady presence providing support in what can be a chaotic environment,” said Kathleen Eldridge, M.D., chair of Medicine.

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