Baystate Health Celebrates Doctors’ Day, Honoring Physicians Across Western Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Baystate Health is proud to recognize National Doctors’ Day on March 30, honoring the dedication, compassion, and expertise of its physicians who care for patients and families across Western Massachusetts every day.

From primary care practices to hospital units and specialty clinics, Baystate physicians are essential to improving the health of people in our communities, with quality and compassion. Their work extends beyond clinical care. They serves as educators, mentors, and trusted partners in the community.

This Doctors’ Day, Baystate Health is encouraging community members to take a moment to thank the physicians who have made a difference in their lives.

As part of the recognition, physicians across the organization are sharing what inspires their work through a simple but powerful reflection:

"This is why…”

Raquel Belforti, DO, MS; Interim Chief Academic Officer, Baystate Health; Associate Dean of Education, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate:
Being a physician at Baystate allows me the opportunity to shape the next generation of physicians, instilling not only medical knowledge but also the values of compassion, professionalism, and lifelong learning. Contributing to students' and residents' growth and development is deeply meaningful because it has a lasting impact on patient care, our community, and the future of healthcare.”

Timothy Menz, MD; Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition:
“Medicine is humbling and as a physician, I am reminded of that everyday. I am incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to care for children, knowing that often times it can be challenging for them to articulate how they are feeling and what’s bothering them. Children often feel scared, anxious, and even confused in the doctor’s office or during endoscopy. If I can connect with these patients, whether it’s a knock-knock joke or leaning into a well-timed joke, turning confusion into understanding and fear into assurance, I know pediatric gastroenterology is exactly what I’m meant to do.”

Armando Paez, MD; Chief, Infectious Diseases:
“I chose Infectious Diseases because it is both an honor and a privilege to care for patients at some of their most vulnerable moments, often when illness is sudden, severe, and uncertain. In those moments, we are not only treating infections, but guiding patients and families through fear, complexity, and the unknown. It is a field that blends science, detective work, and human connection in a way that is deeply meaningful to me.”

Sonia Riyaz, MD; Psychiatry:
“For me, the greatest sense of purpose comes from the intersection of patient care, education, and teamwork. Watching residents develop their confidence and clinical insight through mentorship is incredibly fulfilling. Being part of a team that supports each other and has grown into a true work family makes the work meaningful and reminds me that this is exactly the role I’m meant to have.”

Baystate Health invites the community to join in celebrating Doctors’ Day by thanking a physician who has made a difference in their life.