Center for Physician Excellence

Philanthropy inspires launch of Center for Physician Excellence

Montage Health’s Center for Physician Excellence offers programs and initiatives to support the professional development, clinical advancement, and personal wellbeing of the nearly 600 local physicians and advanced practice providers affiliated with Montage Health.

The center is made possible thanks to grant support from Montage Health Foundation and philanthropic contributions from the community, including generous support through the Lucas Fund for Physician Excellence.

The goal of the center is to offer well-rounded, comprehensive services to support physicians, enabling them to provide the best care for our patients and the communities we serve.

The Center for Physician Excellence includes:

  • Continuing education, clinical advancement, and professional development opportunities to grow physician expertise
  • Physician Grants Program to grow skills and advance in their fields
  • Volunteer opportunities to give back to our local community and beyond
  • Financial Health services including homeownership support, student loan support, and financial planning to help doctors plan for their futures and stay local
  • Wellness services to support emotional wellbeing
  • Social events to connect doctors with colleagues, family, and community

Like many communities across the country, Monterey County is faced with a shortage of doctors, coupled with obstacles to recruitment, including the cost of housing and high cost of living. “Recruiting and retaining the best doctors is critical to support the health and vitality of our community.” says Kevin Causey, vice president and chief development officer, Montage Health Foundation. “Montage Health Foundation is proud to support this important work, and we’re grateful for the generous support of community partners like Sally Lucas and the Lucas Fund for Physician Excellence”.

From Sally Lucas

“My husband Don and I felt blessed to have Community Hospital and their doctors available to us. My desire is to make sure this continues in the future, and I hope this donation helps encourage brilliant doctors to come, live, and practice in this very special community.”

About Sally and Don Lucas

Sally Lucas and her late husband Don Lucas always held a commitment to investing in community through philanthropy. In addition to being generous donors to Community Hospital for many years, Don was also a member of the Montage Health Foundation advisory committee from 2011 – 2016, and a founding Montage Health Foundation board member in 2017 before his passing on October 30, 2017. In establishing The Lucas Fund for Physician Excellence, Sally hopes to recognize the Montage Health doctors involved in their care, and support future generations of talented physicians.