SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER ANNOUNCES 2008 FRIST HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS

March 4, 2009 –The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize one employee, one volunteer and one physician at each HCA facility across the country who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community. On Wednesday, February 25, the winners of the 2008 Frist Humanitarian Awards were announced and honored at a reception at Summit Medical Center. The winners are:

• Clarrissa Anderson, Volunteer
• Dr. Brad Hoover, Emergency Room Physician
• Ann Kuklinski, Coordinator/PBX

This honor places Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Kuklinski and Dr. Hoover in nomination for the nationwide 2008 Frist Humanitarian Award, the highest honor an employee, volunteer or physician can earn within HCA, the parent company of Summit Medical Center.

These are three extraordinary people. Clarrissa Anderson spent more than 20 years serving her country and is active in her church and community. Her fellow volunteers have referred to her as “faithful, patient, and understanding.” Rebecca Wagner, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at Summit, said of Anderson, “In the past year and a half that she has been a part of our volunteer program, she has worked over 500 hours. She dedicates at least two days a week to this hospital, and she is willing to work in any area where there is a need. She assists the families and the staff in the waiting rooms, directs patients in the lobbies, and she even helps register donors during the Blood Drives. Her compassion and dedication are clearly evident in all that she does.”

Dr. Brad Hoover is an emergency medicine physician and Chairman of the Emergency Department at Summit Medical Center. After the death of his 12 year old son in 2005 from brain cancer, he and his wife Michelle have worked tirelessly to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and pediatric cancer research. Through the Hoover Run for Hope 5K Run/Walk and other donations, more than $130,000 has been raised to help children and their families in the fight against cancer. Dr. Hoover and his family continue to be an inspiration to all those who know them.

Ann Kuklinski serves the hospital, her church, the community and her friends and family with unending selflessness and compassion. She serves the hospital through participation on several committees in addition to helping with multiple events and projects each year. She is extremely active in her church as well. In addition to serving on the Parish Finance Board, Pastoral Council, as the Director of Liturgy, and as the Director of Religious Education, she assists grieving families during their time of loss. She also serves her community by visiting shut-ins and those in nursing homes.

“These three individuals have touched many lives with their commitment to our patients and the community at large,” said Jeff Whitehorn, Chief Executive Officer of Summit Medical Center.  “I would also like to recognize and thank our other employee and volunteer nominees who consistently demonstrate the humanitarian characteristics of Thomas F. Frist, Sr. As employees, Yvonne Almassi, Susan Darr, Keri Davenport, Minnie Davis and Melissa Dyer have all inspired others with their dedication to their work and their compassion for others.  Likewise, volunteer nominees Linda Hentz and Warren and Earline Hinkle not only give selflessly of their time, but also go above and beyond their volunteer duties to make a significant impact on others.”

The Frist Humanitarian Awards are given annually in recognition of the humanitarian spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., a founder of Hospital Corporation of America.

Summit Medical Center is a 188-bed regional medical center serving the residents of Davidson, Wilson and surrounding counties. Summit offers a full range of services including emergency, medical, surgical, obstetric, oncology, psychiatric and diagnostic services. The hospital also offers the latest advances in imaging services, including the area’s first hospital based 64-slice CT scanner. For more information, call TriStar MedLine at 615-342-1919 or 800-242-5662.