AdventHealth Redmond announces 2025 Medical Staff Award winners

ROME, GA — AdventHealth Redmond is proud to announce the recipients of its Fourth Annual Medical Staff Awards, honoring outstanding providers who exemplify the highest standards of care and service. Nominated by their peers and colleagues, these winners represent the very best of our medical community.

2025 honorees

Physician of the Year
Chris Merritt, MD – Cardiology
“I have worked with Dr. Merritt for eight years in the cardiac cath lab. I have seen the care and compassion that he extends to every patient. He always has a plan and protects not only the patient but the staff as well. He embodies our service standards daily just by being himself. He is an asset to this community, and I am thankful to work with him.”

Advanced Practice Professional (APP) of the Year
Kimberley Weatherford, NP – Family Medicine
“Kimberley is always so kind. She truly listens to her patients. She is honest and stern but delivers health care in such a way that is beyond the healing ministry of Christ.”

Rising Star Award
Amanda Knaak, MD – Anesthesiology
“Amanda takes the lives of our patients seriously. She treats the children we see like her own. She makes sure she assesses them thoroughly and will not proceed with surgery unless she knows they will be safe.”

About the awards
The AdventHealth Redmond Medical Staff Awards recognize excellence in three categories:

• Physician of the Year
• Advanced Practice Professional (APP) of the Year
• Rising Star Award (open to any physician or APP on staff for three years or less)

Nominations are submitted by hospital and medical staff, with each nominator sharing examples of how the nominee lives out our service standards: Love Me, Keep Me Safe, Make It Easy, and Own It.

Award recipients will be featured in displays throughout the hospital, including the Physicians’ Lounge, Cardiology Office, Shorter Ave. Office, and Surgery Center of Rome.