Huntington Beach resident Dr. Paul Wakim has joined the ranks of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, Bob Hope, Brooke Shields, Frankie Valli, and Sugar Ray Leonard as recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

The award is given to men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others, striving for tolerance and acceptance among ethnic, racial, and religious groups. Also, to people sharing their personal and professional gifts for the benefit of humanity.

“I was very proud to receive this award that emphasized to me that doing good to your fellow man is a very rewarding experience, and a humbling one,” said Wakim. “In fact, this award makes me want to do more in my community and encourage my family and friends to participate more in humanitarian causes.”

Wakim’s achievements? “In almost 40 years in medicine I have performed over 20,000 major or minor operations in orthopedic surgery,” said the doctor, 66.

The doctor is participating in the development of a cultural center for Lebanon and Los Angeles. He is currently the chairman and past president of the American Lebanese Medical Association as well as medical director at Paladin Healthcare Management and founder and medical director of the Pacifica Orthopedics Medical and Surgical Center in Huntington Beach.

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