Brenda Foley Named Physician Trailblazer at Doylestown Health

Celebrating with Doylestown Health Physician Trailblazer awardee Brenda Foley, MD, (center) are Sean C. Reinhardt, MD, Chief Medical Officer (left), and Nicole E. Geracimos, MD, Medical Staff President.

Brenda Foley, MD, medical director of the Emergency Department (ED) at Doylestown Health, is the first recipient of the Scott Levy, MD, Physician Trailblazer Award.

Nicole Geracimos, MD, Doylestown Health’s Medical Staff President, presented the award in recognition of Dr. Foley’s unwavering leadership in battling opioid use disorder.

Established upon Dr. Scott Levy’s retirement as Doylestown Health’s Chief Medical Officer, to honor his enduring legacy and more than three decades of service as CMO, this prestigious accolade is an annual acknowledgment of a Doylestown Health physician who embodies Dr. Levy’s spirit of innovation and commitment to advancing medical practice.

In 2011, Dr. Foley became alarmed by the rise in opioid overdoses in the ED, prompting her to advocate for patients and unite stakeholders to address the epidemic. Since then, she has been a driving force behind initiatives aimed at combating opioid addiction.

“I am proud to recognize my friend and colleague Dr. Brenda Foley, whose inspiring work demonstrates the power of compassion and commitment in making a difference. Her dedication and tireless efforts led to significant changes in the treatment and management of pain, and the care we provide for people who are living with substance use disorders,” says Dr. Geracimos.

Honoring a Legacy

The Trailblazer Award, established in 2024, honors Dr. Scott Levy’s commitment to innovation and quality throughout his 30-plus-year tenure at Doylestown Health and in his role as Chief Medical Officer. The award recognizes physicians who lead the way by developing and implementing:

• Creative ways to improve patient outcomes and experiences
• Novel solutions to system-based challenges
• Programming that improves the care of the community

Dr. Foley was nominated for this award and received unanimous support from Doylestown Health’s Medical Staff.  She was honored with a commemorative engraved Tiffany & Company pen and an invitation to designate a monetary award for a project or program within Doylestown Hospital.

Blazing a Trail to Reduce Opioid-Related Harm

“I am thrilled and could not envision a better candidate to be the first recipient of the Physician Trailblazer Award,” says Dr. Levy. “A tremendous patient advocate and innovator, Dr. Foley led the way, bringing together hospital providers and the community to address opioid use disorder.”

Reflecting on the accolade, Dr. Foley says, “I am deeply grateful to Dr. Levy, my colleagues, and to Doylestown Hospital for fostering such a supportive environment."

“This award reflects the extraordinary commitment of everyone—from physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to our Emergency Department team, Administration, and staff across Doylestown Hospital—who roll up their sleeves every day to prioritize what’s best for our patients. It’s a true testament to teamwork and shared purpose,” she says.

Limiting Prescriptions

Dr. Foley introduced the Narcotic Responsible Hospital Policy in the ED, incorporating more evidence-based, non-narcotic pain management options. Soon after, administration adopted the policy hospital-wide, leading to a significant reduction in the number of opioids prescribed and expanding options for effective, non-narcotic pain relief.

Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Dr. Foley introduced medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine to help patients in the Emergency Department (ED). MAT reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, aiding patients in their recovery journey. The opioid epidemic involves prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids, all of which contribute to the escalating crisis.

A Warm Handoff with a Certified Recovery Specialist

In addition to MAT, Dr. Foley added certified recovery specialists (CRS), available 24/7 to provide bedside counseling in the ED. This face-to-face, real-time care resource is an essential component of an impactful plan of recovery.

Community Connections

Dr. Foley served as a member of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc., from June 2017 to April 2023. Her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and limit access to dangerous substances and medications continue to enhance community partnerships.

Doylestown Health and the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA) joined forces with local police, the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership, and the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission.

Together, these organizations offer educational programs and drug take-back events to ensure the safe disposal of unused medications, preventing misuse and protecting the environment.

Highlights:

• A permanent medication collection box in the Doylestown Hospital Emergency Department has allowed the community to safely dispose of over 230,000 medications (a permanent sharps box located in the ED has contributed to the safe disposal of 10,000 sharps).

• The Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission recognized Doylestown Health for collecting the most excess medications among area hospitals from April to October 2024.

• Doylestown Health distributed Narcan, as well as Fentanyl and Xylazine test strips, to help people protect themselves and others from opioid-related harm.

More About Dr. Foley

Joining Doylestown Health’s Emergency Department in 2008, Dr. Foley became medical director in 2021. She served as president of the Doylestown Health Medical Staff from July 2021 to June 2023.

A Castle Connelly Top Doctor since 2023, Philadelphia Magazine recognized Dr. Foley as a Top Doctor in Emergency Medicine in 2024.