Neonatologist Stefan Maxwell Recognized with Cardiovascular Lifetime Legacy Award

Stefan Maxwell, M.D., neonatologist and practice medical director at Pediatrix® Neonatology of West Virginia, recently received the inaugural Cardiovascular Lifetime Legacy Award from the American Heart Association® (AHA) of West Virginia, recognizing his more than 40 years of service to improving health outcomes for mothers and infants in the state.

The Cardiovascular Lifetime Legacy Award is given by the AHA to “individuals who have made lasting contributions to the field of cardiovascular health over the course of their distinguished careers, as well as professionals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing cardiovascular research, patient care and education.” Those recognized are leaders, peers and mentors in the field of cardiovascular health and have made a transformative impact within the medical community.

Dr. Maxwell appreciates the recognition and kind words, sharing insight into what has driven him over the course of his career. “The work ethic that I have always followed is based on my formative years in boarding school in Jamaica. The motto was ‘nil sine magna labore,’ which translated from Latin means ‘nothing without hard work,” he said. Another core tenet he follows is, “Not striving to be perfect, but to strive for excellence in whatever I do.” Dr. Maxwell’s dedication to his patients and community demonstrate those core principles.

Throughout his career, Dr. Maxwell has been a leader and advocate for those working to improve outcomes for mothers and infants. He is a founding member of Pediatrix® Medical Group as one of the first neonatology providers to join the company in 1983 and has been an integral part of the company’s neonatology service line over the past 42 years. He was the first doctor to provide care at the initial contract location outside of Florida in Charleston, West Virginia, and continues to provide care to patients there today. 

In addition, Dr. Maxwell has played an instrumental part in establishing transformative programs, such as the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership in 2007, which brought together community-based care teams to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and babies in the state. The partnership then led to the development of the Drug Free Mom and Babies pilot program to address substance use disorders in pregnant women through comprehensive medical, behavioral and social services.

He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at WVU School of Medicine and WVU Osteopathic School of Medicine, as well as serving as Chief of Pediatrics at Charleston Area Medical Center, Women and Children’s Hospital for 22 years, and Medical Director of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for over 35 years. He has served on many advisory councils, including the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership Central Advisory Council, the Central Advisory Council and the Committee on Substance Use During Pregnancy. In addition, he was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse from its formation in 2010 to its dissolution in 2018 and was recently appointed Chair of the Subcommittee for Pregnancy and Parenting Women. 

Dr. Maxwell also serves as a member on several boards and executive committees such as the American Red Cross, Maternal and Infant Mortality committees and Newborn Screening committees. He has provided expert testimony for legislation on substance use in pregnancy, uniform maternal risk screening and infant mortality. He is dedicated to improving policies for the care of mothers and babies in West Virginia and across the United States.

Amidst the advocacy and research, Dr. Maxwell continues to provide neonatal care at Charleston Area Medical Center’s Women and Children’s Hospital and Thomas Memorial Hospital. 

Pediatrix celebrates and congratulates Dr. Maxwell on this well-deserved recognition.

Photo Credit: American Heart Association of West Virginia and Rafael Barker Photography