Alumni Organization

The Alumni Organization at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is a unique resource that allows residents, fellows and staff members to enhance their medical education. The group also works to strengthen relationships with CHOP alumni through networking events, ongoing education, and collaborative research.

Celebrating Dr. William P. Potsic as the 2023 Recipient of the Richard D. Wood Distinguished Alumni Award

William P. Potsic, MD, served the CHOP community for 34 illustrious years until his retirement in 2008. He is an Attending Physician Emeritus of CHOP’s Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.

Throughout his remarkable career at CHOP, he played a critical role in the development and expansion of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology. A dedicated and skilled surgeon, and ss the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for CHOP’s Department of Surgery for 21 years, he was directly involved in the training and lines of succession in each of the surgical divisions. As a result of his impact, CHOP created the William P. Potsic Endowed Chair in Pediatric Otolaryngology and Childhood Communication.

Dr. Potsic is deeply passionate about mentorship and assisting in the growth and development of the next generations of physicians. Throughout his career, he was known among younger colleagues as a willing partner to junior faculty to ensure promotions and career development. In recognition of his generous mentorship of so many at CHOP, the Department of Surgery established the William P. Potsic, MD Mentor Award in 2016.

Dr. Potsic attended the University of Illinois for his undergraduate degree and Emory University’s School of Medicine for his MD. He is passionate about the business of medicine and went on to receive a Master of Medical Management from Tulane University, among many other certificates and degrees that serve as evidence of his dedication to lifelong learning and the betterment of the medical profession.

Honoring the late Dr. Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr. with the Inaugural Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr. Service Award

Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr., MD, or Dr. Pat, as he was lovingly known, served the Philadelphia community at CHOP for more than 50 years. He committed his entire career to CHOP’s patients, parents, and physicians-in-training, beginning his tenure in 1961 as an intern and joining the staff the following year.
Dr. Pat held many positions of leadership at CHOP, including the director of the CHOP’s Main Campus primary care practice, director of the Office of Continuing Education, interim Chief of the Division of General Pediatrics, and director of both the Spina Bifida program and the Diagnostic and Complex Care Center. He managed these positions with the same humility and common-sense approach he lived his life by. His goal in all he did was “how will this benefit the children and their families?”.

He demonstrated his extraordinary compassion and dedication to children with complex disorders with his involvement in CHOP’s 22q and You Center, Craniofacial and Spina Bifida programs, and the Diagnostic and Complex Care Center that was renamed in his honor in 2009, 20 years after he created it.

As a general pediatrician, Dr. Pat’s superpower was listening to and reassuring his patients and their families, putting them instantly at ease with his gentle manner. Known as the “Pediatrician’s Pediatrician”, his skill was sought out by his colleagues for advice on patients, as well as the care of their own children. He mentored hundreds of students, residents, fellows, nurses, and physicians throughout his career.

Dr. Pat was born in North Philadelphia and attended Saint Joseph’s University and Jefferson Medical School. He passed on August 29, 2015. His wife of more than six decades, Mae Agnes, passed in 2019. She was a dedicated volunteer at CHOP for over 50 years. They are survived by three children, Caroline, Patrick, and Ann Agnes; and four grandchildren, Alexandra, Julia, Patrick, and Christina. Continuing his legacy at CHOP, Caroline is an Attending Anesthesiologist in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and Julia is a Clinical Nurse in the Emergency Department.