Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation Physician Champion: Nikolai Bildzukewicz, M.D.

Providence South Division Philanthropy honored 12 physicians at its 2026 Physician Champion Awards, held February 28 at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena. Each was recognized for helping to create a culture of philanthropy at their medical campuses and for partnering with their Foundations to advance priorities that strengthen care in their communities.

Representing Providence St. Jude Medical Center, foregut and upper gastrointestinal surgeon Nikolai Bildzukewicz, M.D., known to many as “Dr. B,” was named this year’s Physician Champion. The award celebrates physicians who go beyond the bedside, working closely with philanthropy teams to support initiatives that further the Mission and expand what’s possible for patients and families.

Champion for the future of care
Before joining Providence St. Jude, Dr. B spent nearly a decade at USC, where he trained surgeons and helped shape the future of foregut surgery. Today, as medical director of foregut surgery, he brings that same commitment to excellence, innovation and mentorship to the Providence St. Jude community.

His leadership extends beyond clinical care into philanthropy. As chair of the Physician Leadership Group, Dr. B plays a key role in bringing physicians together to think strategically about how donor support can advance patient care and expand access to leading-edge treatments.

Dr. B also serves on the A Walk Among the Stars Host Committee and is an active participant in board meetings and donor engagement efforts, helping connect the impact of philanthropy directly to the patient experience.

Through his clinical leadership, his commitment to advancing his field and his partnership with philanthropy, Dr. B exemplifies what it means to be a Physician Champion, a physician who not only delivers exceptional care but helps shape the future of care for the entire community.