Hal C. Quinn, M.D., of Mercer Island Pediatric Associates, has been given the Richard A. Molteni 2009 Medical Staff Award for community-based professional and quality care.

“I was very honored to be given an award named after [Dr. Molteni],” said Quinn, a board-certified pediatrician who returned to Mercer Island Pediatric Associates in 2001 after working for Virginia Mason from 1994 to 2000. He initially joined Mercer Island Pediatric Associates in 1986.

“I love what I do — I feel it’s a privilege to be able to take care of children. It’s the best job in the world, as far as I’m concerned. Even on days when I’m not as energized as I should be, it doesn’t take long for me to get energized by my patients here … I feel honored,” said Quinn.

According to an excerpt from Quinn’s nomination, “The combination of excellent medical care and personal care he provides make Hal a wonderful pediatrician.”

Quinn is the chief of pediatrics at Overlake Medical Center, a member of the American Board of Pediatrics and a volunteer physician for the Mercer Island High School football team. He graduated from the Texas Tech University School of Medicine.

The award honors two physicians annually for their professionalism, communication, accountability, respect, integrity and ethics, advocacy role, participation in improving care, and clinical judgment.

The 2009 Molteni Award for Seattle Children’s went to Eileen J. Klein, M.D., in emergency medicine. Established last year, the award was named for Richard Molteni, who was the medical director of Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center for eight years.