Cyril Spann, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist, and nurse Shelby Spain, RN, who works in the medical-surgical intensive care unit (MSICU) at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, are the recipients of the 2024 William C. Waters Award for Clinical Excellence. Shouky and Doris Shaheen established this award in 2002 to honor the career of Dr. Waters upon his retirement. The award is given to one physician and one nurse at Piedmont Atlanta each year who exhibit the same “brilliant clinical insights, unending compassion and persuasive humanism” as Dr. Waters.

All of Dr. Spann’s nominators described his impressive base of knowledge and skill with complex cases and how willing he is to share his talents with peers as well as medical students and residents.

Laura Almquist, M.D., an OB-GYN who is a member of the Piedmont Clinic, recalled one instance where she interrupted Dr. Spann to get his help with an unexpectedly difficult case. He not only stopped what he was doing to assist in the operating room but also followed up with the patient after surgery. She said, “His commitment and compassion for taking care of patients and teaching others in our field is unrivaled.”

Julia Combs, M.D., another OB-GYN who is a member of the Piedmont Clinic, highlighted Dr. Spann’s exceptional bedside manner. She wrote, “Dr. Spann has a unique way of connecting with his patients, often guiding them through some of the most challenging moments of their lives with kindness, patience, and empathy.”

The nursing directors at Piedmont Atlanta chose Dr. Spann from 16 total nominees for the physician award; he had received 10 of those 16 nominations for providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

On the nursing side, members of the Medical Executive Committee (MEC) at Piedmont Atlanta selected Spain to receive the Waters Award this year. Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Alicia Duval nominated her for consistent exemplary nursing in the MSICU at Piedmont Atlanta.

Duval wrote, “She [Spain] is a strong clinical resource as well as patient advocate and she goes above and beyond for our team during every shift. I would love to recognize her for her outstanding work, as she is so deserving.”

Now in its 23^rd year, the Waters Award is permanently endowed, thanks to the Shaheen family as well as other private gifts from patients, colleagues and friends of Dr. Waters. 

Dr. Waters was an internal medicine physician and nephrologist, who practiced at Piedmont Atlanta for over 30 years. He held several leadership positions during his tenure, including chairman of internal medicine and chairman of the Piedmont board of directors. He passed away in 2011. The Waters Pavilion at Piedmont Atlanta, which features suites with hotel-like amenities for patients, is named after him.