News

November 2007

RELEASE UPON RECEIPT November 29, 2007

For more information, contact:     Anne Thomure, Director Hospital/Community Relations 618-257-5649

JAMES VEST, M.D. RECEIVES
MATTHEW B. EISELE PHYSICIAN EXCELLENCE AWARD

     (Belleville, Illinois)  Dr. James Vest was the recipient of the first Matthew B. Eisele, M.D. Physician Excellence Award, which was presented at Memorial Hospital’s annual Medical Staff Dinner on November 17.

     This award was established to recognize a physician on Memorial’s Medical Staff who exemplifies dedication to medicine, delivery of quality care and a commitment to the community.  The nominee also should inspire others to provide quality service and a high level of care; demonstrate clinical excellence, as well as caring and compassionate communication to patients, families and hospital staff; model teamwork; be responsive to the needs of patients, families and staff; support Memorial as well as its mission and values; participate on hospital and/or medical staff departmental committees; and set a positive example for others.

     Dr. Vest, who has been a member of Memorial’s Medical Staff for over 30 years and a former president of Memorial’s Medical Staff was chosen from among 14 nominations submitted by employees, peers, Auxilians and Board Members.  He serves on Memorial Hospital’s Board of Directors as well as on several medical staff committees. 

     An internal medicine physician/pulmonologist, Dr. Vest has served as a mentor to many physicians and was instrumental during the height of the medical malpractice crisis in communicating with elected officials and attorneys.

     One of the nominations received for Dr. Vest described him like this – “This man displays the courage of the lion, the brains of the scarecrow, the heart of the tin man and the gift of the Wizard of Oz, who gives testimonial to his colleagues so they truly believe they have the confidence to practice great medicine, despite our medical malpractice challenges.  Truly a doctor’s doctor.”

     In addition to Dr. Vest, nominees included:  Dr. David Rawdon, Dr. Lynne Nowak, Dr. Amanullah Pathan, Dr. Djiby Diop, Dr. James Petterchak, Dr. James Clanahan, Dr. Jay Haines, Dr. Trevor Lineberry, Dr. Eldon Trame, Dr. Duk Kim, Dr. Stuart Mauch, Dr. Dwight O’Dell and Dr. R. Brad Ringhofer.

     The Matthew B. Eisele, M.D. Physician Excellence Award is named for Memorial’s first
medical director.  Prior to serving as Memorial’s medical director, Dr. Eisele was an
obstetrician/gynecologist in the community for 22 years.  He was instrumental in shaping the Medical Director’s role into the key position it is today - a liaison between the board of directors, medical staff and administration.
                                                                  

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