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Eileen M. Clifford, SC, MD, Honored by Northern NJ Council, Boy Scouts of America

Eileen-CliffordEileen M. Clifford, SC, MD, is the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Health Care Service Award, Passaic County, to be presented by the Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America, at the organization’s 22nd Annual Distinguished Health Care Service Awards Dinner on June 3, 2014 at Mayfair Farms, West Orange, NJ. The dinner is conducted annually by the Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America, and is co-sponsored by medical societies, hospitals, and other health-related organizations in the four counties of northeastern New Jersey.

“St. Joseph’s Health is pleased to join the Northern New Jersey Council, Boy Scouts of America, in saluting Dr. Eileen Clifford for her outstanding commitment and efforts on behalf of the communities of Passaic County. She is an exemplary physician and an inspirational leader,” stated William A. McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer at St. Joseph’s Health.

Dr. Clifford is the Medical Director of Care Management at St. Joseph’s Health.

Born in Long Island City, New York and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, she joined the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in 1958. Dr. Clifford began her studies at the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Paterson in 1961 and upon receiving her degree in Nursing, she continued her education at Seton Hall University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1966. For eight years, she provided superior care to patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital serving as a head nurse and later as manager of the outpatient department.

In 1970, Sister Ellen made the decision, in conjunction with her religious congregation, to pursue further education. A suggestion was made that she pursue a medical degree rather than Nursing Administration. She attended Montclair State College taking Pre-Med courses and subsequently attended New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry receiving her medical degree in 1977. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine in 1980 and in her final year of residency served as Chief Medical Resident at Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark.

Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Clifford joined St. Joseph’s University Medical Center as an Attending Physician at the Family Health Center continuing in that role until 1987. For the following 19 years she served as a physician in private practice at Medical Internists Associates, Fair Lawn, NJ.

In 2006, Dr. Clifford began her current role as the Medical Director of Care Management for St. Joseph’s Health. A highly regarded physician leader, Dr. Clifford has served as a member, officer and then president of the Medical Board at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. Dr. Clifford continues to share her expertise as a member of the medical staff serving on many committees of the Healthcare System. In addition, Dr. Clifford served on a variety of non-profit organization boards, including the Board of Trustees at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York and St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson. She is presently on the board of Trinitas Hospital, Elizabeth, NJ. She serves on the board of the Emmaus House, Ocean Grove, NJ as well as Eva's Village in Paterson, NJ.

In 2007, Dr. Clifford was honored by the St. Joseph’s University Medical Center Foundation as a recipient of the Kendrick P. Lance, MD, Distinguished Physician Award, which is presented each year to a dedicated St. Joseph’s physician.

Dr. Clifford, as a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, is a shining representative of the outstanding women who founded and have sponsored the St. Joseph’s Health since 1867. Previous Distinguished Health Care Service Award honorees affiliated with St. Joseph’s Health include Walid Baddoura, MD; Joseph Holahan, MD; Michael Lamacchia, MD; Anthony Losardo, MD; Vincent McInerney, MD; James Pruden, MD; and Joseph Shami, MD.

June 2, 2014

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