2026 Golden Stethoscope Award: Dr. Dan Safranek

AHHA is proud to present the 2026 Golden Stethoscope Award to Dan Safranek, M.D., FACEP, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to clinical excellence.

As the Medical Director of the Providence Alaska Medical Center (PAMC) Emergency Department, a member of the Providence Alaska Region Board of Directors, and a practice leader at Alaska Emergency Medicine Associates (AEMA), Dr. Safranek has redefined the standard for emergency care in Alaska.

Dr. Safranek is widely recognized for his compassionate, patient-centered approach. Working in a high-pressure environment, he maintains a measured, calm demeanor that eases patient anxiety and fosters trust. His exceptional performance is reflected in his Press Ganey scores—the gold standard for patient experience surveys—where he consistently ranks in the 97th to 99th percentile nationally, placing him among the very best providers in the nation in 2025. These top-tier scores, which measure courtesy, clear communication, and shared decision-making, correlate directly with improved healthcare outcomes, including increased adherence to treatment protocols and enhanced safety metrics.

Dr. Safranek’s influence extends well beyond the bedside. PAMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kristen Solana Walkinshaw notes that his "gentle, thoughtful manner" sets a benchmark for the entire department; he is known for his dedication to mentoring peers and fostering a culture of patient satisfaction. Abi Haring-Brito, PAMC’s Senior Manager of Patient Experience, highlights his proactive leadership in service recovery and his dedication to teaching best practices. Similarly, Dr. Jake Miss of AEMA praises Dr. Safranek’s ability to have difficult but effective conversations with peers, all while balancing excellent care for his patients. “People feel understood. Not only are patients satisfied with his demeanor, but he also takes exceptional care of them; he has the top-performing patient care in all the Providence system.”

Daniel Mindlin, M.D., PAMC’s Associate Medical Director, works alongside Dr. Safranek and credits him with measurable improvements in the ED that have elevated patient care. Notably, during his tenure as Chief of Staff, he spearheaded the relocation of the CT scanner to a position adjacent to the Emergency Department. This structural change significantly reduced transport times, improving the “door to CT in less than 20 minutes” metric from 69% to 76%. In the context of stroke care, this 7% improvement represents a monumental gain for patient health.

Beyond the ED, Dr. Safranek is a committed steward of the broader healthcare system. He currently serves on the Providence Alaska Region Board of Directors, where Board Chair Donna Logan describes him as a collaborative, reasoned, and goal-oriented leader who truly "lives the Mission." His extensive resume also includes service as cochair of the Providence North Division Emergency Department Clinical Council that covers Alaska and the Puget Sound Region, as well as membership on the Mayor’s Advisory Board for EMS services, and Vice Chair of the State of Alaska Trauma Systems Review committee.