An employee, physician and volunteer with Lewis-Gale Medical Center and Lewis-Gale Physicians were recognized at an awards ceremony in their honor on Wednesday, March 17. Thomas Fame, M.D., Allergist, was presented with the 2009 Frist Physician Award and Scott Myers, Director of Radiation Oncology, was awarded the 2009 Frist Employee Award. Bud Hagaimer was honored with the 2009 Frist Volunteer Award.

“We are committed to delivering high quality, compassionate care and it is an honor to recognize these individuals who give tirelessly to our patients and the community,” said Victor E. Giovanetti, FACHE, President, HCA Southwest Virginia. “Their exemplary work sets a high standard for healthcare professionals and we are proud to have them as part of our family. Our patients benefit from the kind of commitment to humanitarian concerns that they demonstrate each day.”

The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize one employee, one physician and one volunteer at each HCA-affiliated facility who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community. 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 HCA. These awards place Dr. Fame, Myers and Hagaimer in nomination for the nationwide 2009 Frist Humanitarian Awards.

Dr. Fame, who has been part of the Lewis-Gale family since 1992, was recognized for his work in the community and abroad. He has worked to build three schools in the Central Plateau Region of Haiti and is a tireless fundraiser for the ongoing operations of these schools which serve nearly 1,000 children. Additionally, he has endowed the teaching positions at these schools so they will continue to provide education for years to come. He is also an active member of the Salem Rotary Club and a volunteer at the Bradley Free Clinic.

Myers, who has worked for Lewis-Gale since 1996, was recognized for the care and compassion that he shows to patients, in the facility and outside the walls of the hospital. He makes it a point to get to know every patient on a personal level, often visiting cancer patients who are homebound. He is actively involved in numerous support groups and organizations including the American Cancer Society’s Roanoke Valley Leadership Council, Relay for Life, and Look Good…Feel Better.

Hagaimer has served as a volunteer at Lewis-Gale since 2005, giving more than 5,000 hours of his time, and serving in nearly every department throughout the hospital.

Submitted by Brandi Dawson