You can find many champions in the thriving health care market in our local communities and businesses. The Business Examiner in partnership with the Pierce County Medical Society honored five such organizations and individuals at an awards event May 20, 2009. The award place held at the most beautiful place among the Glass Museums that I know "The Museum of Glass in downtown Tacoma, Washington". that you can see through, colorful and elegant glasses, will say WOW!!

Every day heroic acts, steadfast dedication, extraordinary service and professionalism are seen frequently in our community's medical offices, clinics, hospitals, emergency services and related organizations. The Health Care Champions program has been created to recognize the dedication and professionalism of these important members of our communities.

HONOREES were as the follow:

Community Impact Award is for An individual or practice group whose involvement or innovation in health care issues has affected a broad section of the community.

Distinguished Service Award is for An individual or practice group whose demonstrated service within the health care field has been extraordinary over an extended period of time.

Support Services Award is for The extraordinary impacts affected by a support person or group within health care field.

Emergency Services Award is for A medical response unit with an outstanding "save" or innovators in providing emergency care and services to the community.

Military Services Award (New in 2009!) is for An individual or practice group whose involvement or innovation in health care issues has benefited the military community.

Thurston County Health Care Champions were held in 2007 which you will be able to see in pdf files ( 1 to 8 and Page 8 to 16).

Sponsored by: .In Partnership with Pierce County Medical Society, and Presented by Northwest Physician's Network (NPN) Supporting Sponsors were: Versoria, MultiCare, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance : see below for each individual descriptions:

In Partnership with Pierce County Medical Society - PCMS is a professional membership organization of Physicians and Physician Assistants practicing in Pierce County, Washington. Formed in 1888, the Society has grown to a membership of over 700 practicing physicians and physician assistants and 250 retired members.

The Mission of the Pierce County Medical Society is to: promote the art and science of medicine, promote the care and well being of patients, protect and improve the health of the public and serve and provide leadership for the membership of the Society.

Presented by Northwest Physician's Network NPN is comprised of over 400 providers representing primary care and more than 30 different specialty disciplines in Pierce and South King Counties.

NPN incorporated in January 1995 and is now the largest IPA in the state. The foundation of our success is based on the belief that patient centered, physician driven care, coupled with solid data, responsible use of resources, and active disease management programs are essential components to the successful delivery of care. That means we're focused on our patients' health above all else.

That's in part what makes us so different. It also means we're willing to innovate to keep our patients healthy, out of the hospital, giving them more time for their families. That's why we've been called: "a national model" by policy makers, "unique in all of the northwest" by other physicians, and key "innovators in health care" by businesses who've come to rely on our expertise.

Versoria -Since 1995, Versoria has brought together the coaching, organizational systems and trainer perspectives to provide change management consulting, leadership and executive development coaching, team process and relating skills development, and developmental facilitation and training at all levels of organizations.

MultiCare is a leading-edge, integrated health organization made up of four hospitals including Allenmore Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Tacoma General Hospital, numerous primary care and urgent care clinics, multi-specialty centers, Hospice and Home Health services, and many other services. A not-for-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington since 1882, MultiCare has grown over the years in response to community needs. Today we are the area's largest provider of health care services, serving patients at 93 locations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap and Thurston counties.

TriWest Healthcare Alliance administers the Department of Defense's health care program for 2.7 million military service members, retirees and their families across 21 western states including Washington. Specializing in military health care, TriWest is committed to providing access to high-quality care and service to the military community. Additionally, TriWest develops innovative programs and resources tailored to assist groups with unique challenges, such as wounded warriors, Special Operation forces, members of the National Guard and their families. TriWest is privileged to serve those who serve through a generous and unwavering corporate giving initiative, supporting organizations and agencies that help our nation's military population. Visit www.triwest.com for more information.

Contributing Sponsors were: Moss-Adams LLP, and TRA Medical Imaging.

Reported by Catch4all.com, Sandra Englund

Sources:

Photos by: Dane Gregory Meyer

In Partnership with Pierce County Medical Society

Northwest Physician's Network (NPN)

Versoria

MultiCare

TriWest Healthcare Alliance

Moss-Adams LLP

TRA Medical Imaging

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