CMC Update

Dr. Blake Sonne (Courtesy photo)

Radiantly Serving in CMC’s Emergency Department

In the fast-paced, often overwhelming environment of the Emergency Department at Catholic Medical Center (CMC), calm can feel like a rare gift. Yet for many patients, that gift arrives in the form of Dr. Blake Sonne — pronounced “sunny” — whose steady presence brings reassurance in moments of uncertainty.

As medical director of Emergency Medicine at CMC, Sonne embodies a leadership style grounded not in volume or authority, but in quiet confidence and compassionate care.

Colleagues note that the atmosphere shifts when he enters a room — not because he demands attention, but because his calm steadies everyone around him.

“I personally try to keep a calm tone,” he shares. “It creates smooth processes — and the patient follows, too.”

For Sonne, emergency medicine is more than a profession; it is a vocation rooted in service. He joined CMC with a clear purpose: to help shape a new chapter of emergency care in Manchester — one that honors both clinical excellence and the dignity of every person who walks through the department’s doors.

Raised in Houston, Sonne earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his emergency medicine residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

He later moved to New England to be closer to his wife’s family and has spent the past several years serving patients in emergency departments throughout New Hampshire. Those experiences formed him into a versatile and adaptable physician, comfortable in the unpredictable rhythm of emergency care — and prepared to lead meaningful improvements at CMC.

Since the beginning of this year, patients have already noticed positive changes.

“We have made some important adjustments that help patients feel comfortable,” he explains. “We are seeing patients more quickly, and they are being discharged sooner as a result.”

Under his leadership, the Emergency Department has focused on improving patient flow, reducing wait times and minimizing boarding — while maintaining the highest clinical standards. But beyond efficiency, his goal is deeply personal: that every patient feels heard, respected and cared for.

“A lot of emergency medicine is talking to people and making them feel confident and comfortable that they’re okay,” he says.

He is clear about what does not work.

“Dismissiveness doesn’t help people. It erodes trust,” he says.

In a Catholic healthcare ministry, trust is sacred. Every encounter is an opportunity to affirm the inherent dignity of the human person. Sonne’s philosophy reflects that understanding — care must be both clinically excellent and deeply human.

That commitment extends beyond the bedside. He regularly supports advanced practice providers and fellow physicians, reviewing cases and offering guidance to ensure that every patient receives thoughtful, attentive care. Colleagues describe him as approachable and collaborative — a leader who strengthens the team by serving alongside them.

Serving the Manchester community has also deepened his awareness of the challenges many patients face, from limited access to primary care to social and economic stressors that often contribute to emergency visits.

His leadership reflects a desire not only to improve systems, but to respond with compassion — ensuring that even on the busiest days, patients feel cared for rather than rushed.

For patients and families, that commitment brings reassurance: when the unexpected happens, CMC’s Emergency Department stands ready — with experienced clinicians, improved processes and leadership dedicated to compassionate care.

For Sonne, the most meaningful moments in emergency medicine are those when decisive action truly changes a life.

“It only takes one or two of these cases — where you’ve made an impact — that keep you coming back for the next shift.”

His name may sound like “sunny,” but it is his steadfast commitment to serving others — calm, grounded and quietly radiant — that truly reflects the light he brings to CMC’s healing mission.

Catholic Medical Center is committed to providing health, healing and hope through a comprehensive range of high-quality services, including cardiology, women’s health, orthopedics, NICU and cancer care. Its team of more than 400 providers and more than 3,000 employees uses advanced technologies and a mission-driven approach to serve over 180,000 patients annually.