North Florida Regional Medical Center Announces 2010 Frist Humanitarian Award Recipients
February 26, 2010, Gainesville, FL – North Florida Medical Center (NFRMC) has announced that the 2010 Frist Humanitarian Awards were presented to the following:
- Dr. Eduardo Marichal, Physician Frist Award Recipient
- Al Latini, Volunteer Frist Award Recipient
- Thelma Lewis, Employee Frist Award Recipient
The Frist Humanitarian Award is named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., a founder of Hospital Corporation of America. The awards that bear his name were created in 1971 to honor outstanding individuals for their humanitarian and volunteer activities and to recognize HCA employees and volunteers who perform their work with concern, in a spirit of love, with humility and understanding. Those who earn the awards at their respective HCA facilities are then considered for the national First Humanitarian Award, the corporation’s highest honors.
“Our Frist Awards recognize very special people at North Florida Regional Medical Center,” said Matt Davis, Chief Operating Officer. “These three individuals have a daily dedication to care giving, and they truly epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment. We are grateful to have them with us, and we are proud to be able to honor them.”
Dr. Eduardo Marichal has been on the medical staff at North Florida Regional Medical Center (NFRMC) for the past 20 years, serving on such committees as the Medical Executive Committee, the Surgical Quality Committee, and the Ethics Committee. During his tenure, he has found a place in the hearts of employees and patients for his kindness and unfailing sense of humor. His commitment to others includes a recent mission trip to Haiti to perform gynecologic surgeries for women who otherwise would not have had access to medical care.
Al Latini has been a volunteer at NFRMC for the past 6 years, serving at the Main Information Desk and the 2nd Floor Surgery Waiting Room where he helps the families and friends of patients. Latini has contributed more than 1,500 hours of his time. Latini shares his passion for volunteering in other parts of the community, too. Each week, he collects items from The Bread of the Mighty Food Bank and prepares food packages for families in need. He currently serves as the treasurer of the local chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association. He also volunteers at one of the Alachua County Library branches.
Thelma Lewis has been an employee at North Florida Regional Healthcare for nine years -- first in Environmental Services and then in the Women’s Center Operating Rooms as an OR Technician since. Lewis has a reputation for always going out of her way to help others, putting surgery patients at ease who are anxious. Her caring spirit extends into the community. In 2008, when Tropical Storm Faye hit, the Child Advocacy Center’s toys and books were ruined by flooding. Lewis coordinated a collection to replace them. Last year, she opened her home to a 12-year old child whose mom could no longer care for her. Receiving no monetary assistance, Lewis continues to provide a home for the child along with love and care.
Dr. Eduardo Marichal, Al Latini and Thelma Lewis will be among those considered for National Frist Humanitarian Awards, which will be announced in the spring during a ceremony held at the headquarters of Hospital Corporation of America in Nashville, Tennessee.
About North Florida Regional Medical Center:
North Florida Regional is a 325-bed, full-service medical and surgical acute care center serving 14 counties and offering comprehensive cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences, weight loss surgery and treatment, women’s health and wound therapy, among other services. A proven leader, North Florida Regional Medical Center is fully accredited and is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization. North Florida Regional Medical Center is a member of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). Based in Nashville, Tennessee, HCA remains the nation’s leading provider of healthcare services, composed of locally managed facilities that include approximately 166 hospitals and 112 outpatient centers in 20 states and England.
;){kind=link}