Trumbull Physician Recognized for Excellence in Surgery and Compassionate Care

Dr. Emilia Genova, Division Chief of General Surgery at Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, has been nominated for the Dr. Melville G. Magida Award, presented annually by the Fairfield County Medical Association to an outstanding young physician who embodies the spirit and ideals of Dr. Magida through clinical excellence, compassion, integrity, and dedication to patients and the medical profession.

Since joining St. Vincent's Medical Center in 2016, Dr. Genova has established herself as a leader in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, performing more than 2,500 robotic procedures while helping expand access to advanced surgical care throughout the region. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Quinnipiac University's Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, where she mentors and educates future physicians.

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Colleagues describe Dr. Genova as a respected leader, dedicated educator, and trusted mentor who consistently goes above and beyond for both patients and members of the healthcare team. Her commitment to excellence has earned her leadership roles throughout Hartford HealthCare while she continues to advance surgical care across Fairfield County.

Her nomination is supported by numerous letters from patients, colleagues, and community members who praise not only her technical expertise, but also her kindness, empathy, and unwavering commitment to those she serves. Patients describe a physician who takes the time to answer questions, ease fears before surgery, and personally follow up after procedures to ensure the best possible recovery.

In presenting Dr. Genova's nomination, Ryan O'Connell, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent's Medical Center, described the profound impression she has made on patients and colleagues alike. "She is an outstanding teacher who willingly shares her knowledge with nurses, residents, and medical students," he said.

Dr. O'Connell shared letters from patients, colleagues, and members of the St. Vincent's community that painted a remarkably consistent picture of a surgeon whose clinical excellence is matched by genuine compassion, humility, and a commitment to the people entrusted to her care.

"Dr. Genova represents the very best of medicine: extraordinary surgical skill combined with a genuine ability to connect with and care for her patients," said John Brannelly, Executive Director of the Fairfield County Medical Association. "Her accomplishments as a surgeon are remarkable, but what is equally striking is the impact she has on the people she cares for."

Throughout Dr. Genova's nomination, one message stood out repeatedly: her ability to make every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for. As one patient wrote, "She treats me as a person, not just as a patient. Her exceptional bedside manner, kindness, and empathy make every visit a positive experience." Another patient shared, "At my last appointment after I healed, I cried because I was going to miss her." Those heartfelt reflections capture the compassion and dedication that make Dr. Genova a deserving candidate for this distinguished honor.

The Dr. Melville G. Magida Award honors an outstanding young physician who embodies the qualities that defined Dr. Magida's life and career. Dr. Genova will be recognized as St. Vincent's Medical Center's 2026 nominee at the Fairfield County Medical Association's Annual Dinner Meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at The Patterson Club in Fairfield.

The Fairfield County Medical Association is a physician membership organization with a history dating back to 1792. To learn more about the Fairfield County Medical Association or the Annual Dinner Meeting, visit fcma.org.