Dr. Joseph Gaziano, FACG, CGH Medical Center gastroenterologist, board member, and former Sterling-Rock Falls Clinic President, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2013, at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer.
“A highly respected doctor among his health care colleagues and patients, Dr. Gaziano advanced the practice of quality gastroenterology and hepatology over the last 27 years, in the Digestive Health Center and at the CGH Main Clinic,” said Dr. Paul Steinke, CGH President and CEO. “His leadership throughout the hospital and on our Board of Directors will always be remembered.”
Dr. Gaziano was Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Gastroenterology, and he also held memberships with the American College of Gastroenterology, the American College of Physicians, the American Gastroenterology Association, the American Medical Association, the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the Whiteside County Medical Society.
He continued his leadership inside the doors of CGH by actively participating in multiple medical committees including: past Medical Director of the Digestive Disease Center, past Credentials Committee Chairman and committee member, past Clinical Excellence Committee Chairman and committee member, and past Performance Improvement Committee member. In addition, he was the Quality Council Chairman, a member of the CGH Finance Committee, and had served as the Secretary and Treasurer for the CGH Board of Directors.
“Dr. Gaziano cared greatly for the health of our community,” said Joan Hermes, CGH Health Foundation Executive Director. “He served as the Medical Division chair and General chair for the Foundation’s Annual Appeal, and served as the medical advisor for our Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program. Under his leadership, area residents learned about the importance of colonoscopies, one of the best tools for stopping colorectal cancer.”
“Dr. Gaziano exhibited a profound love of the profession and of his patients. He will be missed,” said Dr. Steinke.
Dr. Gaziano is survived by his wife, Carolyn, as well as two sons, Joe and Jake.