Adriana Facchiano, MD, Chief Resident in the Emergency Medicine Residency program at St. Luke’s University Health Network, was recently named the 2026 Resident of the Year by the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians (PACEP). This award honors a resident who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the mission of PACEP, creativity and enthusiasm in advancing emergency medicine and meaningful contributions to the issues shaping the specialty.
Dr. Facchiano’s connection to St. Luke’s began long before residency. As a college student in the pre-medical observer program, she found herself welcomed into a culture where learners were valued and mentorship was woven into daily practice.
“The encouragement, mentorship and sense of belonging I experienced made a lasting impact,” Dr. Facchiano says. “Those early relationships inspired me to pursue both medical school and residency at St. Luke’s.”
That foundation of support continued throughout her training at the Temple/St. Luke’s School of Medicine and then in residency, shaping her into a clinician, leader and advocate.
In the emergency room, where patients often arrive at their most vulnerable, Dr. Facchiano discovered the profound responsibility emergency physicians carry as clinicians, advocates and navigators of a complex healthcare system. Caring for a diverse patient population in the Lehigh Valley strengthened her clinical skills while deepening her understanding of the social, cultural and economic forces that shape health.
Her commitment extended beyond the hospital walls. Through community education, she championed prevention and health literacy. Through the St. Luke’s International Medical Program (SLIMP), she explored global health systems. And through active involvement with PACEP, she developed a passion for advocacy and policy.
“Being a physician extends far beyond bedside care. It carries a responsibility to advocate for patients and communities locally, nationally and globally,” she says.
Dr. Holly Stankewicz, Program Director for the Emergency Medicine Residency in Bethlehem, describes Dr. Facchiano as a resident who elevates the entire program.
“In her role as Chief Resident at St. Luke's Bethlehem, Adriana has demonstrated great leadership skills. She has done great things for resident and medical student education. She is always willing to help with a simulation lab, education session or workshop with students or other residents. She is often the first to volunteer for events such as ‘Girls in STEM’ or events at local medical schools to share her knowledge.
She is well-liked by her peers, faculty, students, staff and patients. Adriana's interpersonal and leadership skills make her a good role model for students and other learners. She truly loves emergency medicine. Her energy, commitment and enthusiasm will make her a leader in our field.”
From pre-medical observer to award winning resident leader, Dr. Adriana Facchiano embodies the mission of St. Luke’s Emergency Medicine Residency: to train physicians who are clinically excellent, community minded and committed to advancing the field.
Graduate Medical Education Good News and Recognition
Christopher DeFeo, MD, a third-year resident in the Emergency Medicine Residency, Anderson Campus, received the St. Luke’s University Health Network PCRAFT Award for going above and beyond in exhibiting strong Network values.
The following physicians recently received faculty recognition from the Temple/St. Luke’s School of Medicine:
Adam Reed, DO, a second-year Emergency Medicine Resident at St. Luke’s Bethlehem, received the Resident Teaching Award.
Malory Gallagher, MD, a third-year Family Medicine Resident at St. Luke’s Bethlehem, received the Resident Teaching Award.
Daniel Ackerman, DO, a neurologist, received the Dr. Joel and Beth Rosenfeld Teaching in Excellence Clerkship Award.
Peter Ender, MD, an infectious disease specialist, received the Dr. Joel and Beth Rosenfeld Teaching in Pre-Clerkship Award.