Like Father, Like Son

Edward O’Regan, M.D., Earns Physician Legacy Award

Sean Maiorano, D.O. (left), embraces Edward O’Regan, M.D., during the Physician Legacy Award Ceremony on Dec. 10, 2025.

Edward O’Regan’s, M.D., passion for taking care of others began when he started shadowing his father at his job as a family doctor.

Dr. O’Regan saw the enthusiasm his father showed while taking care of patients, how patients loved interacting with him and realized early on that being a doctor was the perfect job for him. “I think this job was made for me,” Dr. O’Regan said.

Dr. O’Regan was selected as the 2025 winner of the Physician Legacy Award and became the 24th physician to earn this distinction.

The honor recognizes physicians whose body of work, both within and outside the profession, has created a lasting impact on the community. Doctors, Enloe Health employees and volunteers, and community members nominate doctors. The Enloe Health Medical Executive Committee reviews nominations and selects a winner.

In 2024, Dr. O’Regan presented the Physician Legacy Award to Brian Courtney, M.D., someone he considers a mentor and friend.

Enloe Health Chief Medical Officer Sean Maiorano, D.O., presented the award to Dr. O’Regan on Dec. 10. Dr. O’Regan mentored Dr. Maiorano during his early days at Enloe. “Receiving this award was very humbling, flattering and rewarding,” Dr. O’Regan said. “Dr. Maiorano is a great friend of mine, and for him to present this award to me meant a lot.”

Dr. Maiorano explained that what makes Dr. O’Regan’s award unique is that he is a doctor who stays behind the scenes and avoids the spotlight.“His contributions are invaluable to our medical staff and his colleagues,” Dr. Maiorano said. “His quiet leadership is both humbling and inspiring — something I think we should all emulate.”

During Dr. O’Regan’s thank-you speech, he thanked a plethora of people for their everyday contributions.

“The Physician Legacy Award for me is a shared award. I couldn’t do it without other people,” Dr. O’Regan said. “This is not a solo sport. This is a group award, so I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of any of my past and current teams.”

Always Ready to Help

Dr. O’Regan was born and raised in the East Bay. He has Irish ancestry and stays connected to his roots, having completed one of his residency programs and his medical school in Ireland. He joined Enloe Health in 1988 and has held various leadership and committee roles throughout the years.

“I have enjoyed every role I have had at Enloe,” Dr. O’Regan said. “My heart is really in my job, and that is cruising around the floors and helping patients.”

Dr. O’Regan, alongside others, started the Chico Hospitalist Group. He was also trained and board-certified as a general internist and has been recognized as a Senior Fellow by the Society of Hospital Medicine.

Some of his other worksite interests include hospital staff wellness, committee work and intervention. During his free time, Dr. O’Regan enjoys traveling, playing guitar, exercising and spending time with his family.

He describes his family as his own health care system because one of his daughters and his wife both work at Enloe. His other daughter is a nurse. He credits them as being his rock during his journey as a physician.

“My family has been by my side through all the ups and downs,” Dr. O’Regan said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”