Each year, UW Health recognizes its most skilled and dedicated physicians with its Physician Excellence Awards. These prestigious awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills in clinical practice, education, and leadership, as well as a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of UW Health.
Two Department of Pediatrics faculty members were among the awardees who were honored in a May 21 ceremony at Blackhawk Country Club. Read about the honorees and summaries of their work compiled by UW Health.
Janet Legare, MD, professor, Divisions of Genetics and Metabolism and Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitative Medicine, received a Clinical Practice Excellence Award. Recipients of this award demonstrate exemplary professional relationships, commitment to quality and patient safety, and exceptional and measurable contributions to clinical practice.
Dr. Janet Legare has made an extraordinary impact on children with rare genetic bone disorders, particularly achondroplasia, a condition characterized by short stature and other complex medical challenges. As director of the Midwest Regional Bone Dysplasia Clinic, she has transformed care for these children, attracting families from hundreds of miles away.
Dr. Legare served as the principal investigator for the largest study on achondroplasia’s natural history, involving over 1,000 patients, and helped build a large database to advance research and treatment for rare bone disorders.
As a medical advisor for Little People of America, she offers workshops and free consultations for families and professionals. She also created medical guidelines to support children in schools and communities. Through her work with the Neuromotor and Newborn Follow-up Clinics, Dr. Legare has also enhanced services for children with motor disabilities and rare genetic disorders, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to improving patient care.
Daniel O’Connell, MD, associate professor and interim chief, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, received a Regional Services Excellence Award. Recipients of this award demonstrate exemplary professional relationships, patient- and family-centered care, commitment to the care of regional patients, and enthusiasm for the Regional Services Program and the field of health care.
Dr. Dan O’Connell has been a transformative leader in expanding pediatric gastroenterology services, making specialized care more accessible to families across the region. Over the past decade at UW Health, he has excelled in roles such as medical director of pediatric subspecialty clinics and interim division chief for pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition. His clinical expertise has made him the preferred provider among health care professionals, and even with his extensive administrative responsibilities, he remains the most clinically productive member of his division.
When Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin abruptly ended its regional partnership with Prevea Health in Green Bay, Dr. O’Connell quickly stepped in, personally providing care and ensuring the growth and improvement of Pediatric GI services. His collaboration with local health care partners is a true cornerstone of his success, and he has strengthened regional relationships and ensured continuity of care. His division is one of the largest regional providers. Indeed, Dr. O’Connell has made it possible for families to receive access to high-quality care, reducing the burden of travel and improving outcomes for underserved families.
In the photo: The 2025 UW Health Physician Excellence Award honorees. Photo by UW Health