We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Msgr. Anthony Brouwers Award will honor two remarkable individuals who exemplify the spirit of compassion and dedication in Catholic healthcare: Dr. Brian Medernach and Dr. Antoinette Lullo. 

This award, named after our founder Msgr. Brouwers, recognizes those who have made an extraordinary impact in international healthcare. Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo are the embodiment of this mission, having dedicated their lives to serving communities most in need.

Answering the Call to Serve

For Dr. Medernach, an infectious disease internist and pediatrician, and Dr. Lullo, Director of Osteopathic Education and Maternity Care at the Hinsdale Family Medicine Residency Program, living out the Gospel has meant answering a profound call to serve the people of Santa Clotilde, a remote mission hospital on the Napo River in the Amazon, far north of Peru. Together, they have provided essential healthcare services to this underserved region, which stretches across more than 100 villages along a 250-mile section of the river, serving 22,000 people.

A Lifelong Commitment to Dignity and Health

From 2012 to 2016, Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo lived and served at Santa Clotilde, providing healthcare to countless patients while training local medical staff to ensure sustainable, high-quality care. 

Their mission, however, did not end when they returned to the United States. Every year, they continue to make the journey back to Peru, spending time at Santa Clotilde, offering both hands-on care and administrative support to the hospital from their home in Chicago.

For both Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo, this work is deeply rooted in their faith. “It’s really hard to talk about faith with someone if they’re worried about their kid dying or feeding themselves,” Dr. Medernach shared in a blog post during his time in Peru. “You have to walk with them and stand up for their human rights and dignity. The dignity to work, to live a safe life, to raise a family, and be healthy.”

This powerful perspective is at the heart of their service and has guided their work in Santa Clotilde, where they have been a lifeline for families facing critical health challenges. By caring for patients, advocating for their rights, and addressing basic human needs, Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo embody the Catholic call to uphold the dignity of each person.

An Ongoing Legacy of Care

The impact of Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo’s work extends far beyond the patients they treat directly. Through their dedication to training local medical professionals, they ensure that the people of Santa Clotilde and surrounding communities will continue to receive quality healthcare for years to come. This legacy of compassionate care and professional development is a testament to their commitment to sustainable, community-based healthcare solutions.

As they continue to return to Santa Clotilde annually, Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo bring more than just medical expertise; they bring hope, stability, and a reminder of God’s love and care. Their ongoing support allows the mission hospital to thrive and meet the evolving needs of the region.

Celebrating Their Inspiring Mission

Dr. Brian Medernach and Dr. Antoinette Lullo’s dedication to the health and dignity of underserved communities reminds us all of the power of compassionate service. Their work, driven by their unwavering faith and commitment to the Gospel, serves as a powerful example of Msgr. Anthony Brouwers legacy—a legacy that continues to inspire mission doctors, supporters, and communities worldwide.

As we prepare to honor Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo with the 2025 Msgr. Anthony Brouwers Award, we invite you to join us in celebrating their journey and contributions. Their work has touched countless lives, not only in the healing of the sick but in uplifting the human spirit.

We are profoundly grateful for the extraordinary dedication of Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo and for the ongoing support of Mission Doctors Association’s friends and benefactors who make this work possible. Thank you for standing with us, as we honor two remarkable individuals who have a true “Heart for the World.”

Join us in celebrating Dr. Medernach and Dr. Lullo, and let their inspiring story remind us all of the transformative impact of faith in action.