Littleton Regional Healthcare is proud to announce that Dr. Edward “Ed” Duffy III, MD, MBA, FACEP, has been named the recipient of the New Hampshire Hospital Association’s (NHHA) 2026 Medical Staff Award, presented posthumously in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to LRH, its medical staff, and the communities it serves.
Dr. Duffy devoted nearly 35 years of his professional life to LRH. He began his career at the hospital as an Emergency Department physician and went on to serve the organization in numerous leadership roles, including Medical Director, Executive Vice President, and Chief Medical Officer, as well as a member of the LRH Board of Trustees.
The NHHA Medical Staff Award is a high honor presented to a medical staff member whose professional performance strengthens cooperation between an institution and its medical staff, contributes to the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization, earns the respect of peers and colleagues, and brings credit to the institution and community. The recipient also exemplifies a commitment to excellence in healthcare and active involvement in civic and community affairs on behalf of the institution.
Dr. Duffy exemplified these qualities throughout his career at LRH. He helped establish and maintain high standards of medical care, recruited and mentored providers, and strengthened relationships among physicians, hospital leadership, trustees, employees, and community partners. He was known for his intelligence and conviction, but equally for his steadiness, humor, and humanity.
Dr. Duffy also played an important role in helping LRH navigate some of the most consequential changes in its history. He provided steady leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, supported the transition to electronic medical records and subsequent system conversions, and championed innovations including Mobile Integrated Healthcare, workforce housing initiatives, and new models of rural care.
His commitment to rural healthcare extended beyond his work at LRH. He participated in statewide efforts to improve health outcomes and supported initiatives focused on reducing unnecessary reliance on emergency services and addressing the broader challenges affecting rural communities.
“Ed dedicated decades of his life to making healthcare better for the people of the North Country,” said Robert Nutter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Littleton Regional Healthcare. “He understood the unique challenges facing rural healthcare and brought thoughtful leadership, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to our patients and community to everything he did. His influence remains part of LRH every day.”
Dr. Duffy passed away unexpectedly in May 2025. His loss continues to be felt throughout LRH and across the North Country. His legacy, however, remains visible in the standards he helped establish, the programs he created, the clinicians he supported, and the partnerships he strengthened.
“For nearly a decade, Dr. Duffy was not only a colleague but also a personal friend of mine,” Nutter said. “It was a tremendous honor to stand alongside his wife, Vespar, to accept the award on his behalf. This recognition is a meaningful tribute to a remarkable physician, leader, and colleague whose commitment to LRH and rural healthcare left a lasting mark on our organization.”
The 2026 NHHA Medical Staff Award recognizes Dr. Duffy’s exceptional professional service and the enduring impact of his leadership on LRH, its medical staff, and the communities it serves.
