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November 14, 2008

Five Dean Physicians Awarded Top Honors for Service & Achievement

Recognized By Their Peers for Excellence in Healthcare

MADISON, WI— They save lives, launch community initiatives to serve the uninsured, take on major public health campaigns and provide leadership to hundreds of other physicians. They do it each and every day. That is why Dean Health System is celebrating the service and achievements of some of its finest providers!

The First Annual Physician Recognition Gala honored five Dean physicians. Each was nominated by a fellow physician or staff member. Members of Dean’s Office of Medical Affairs reviewed the nominations and selected honorees in five individual categories.

Community Service Award: J. Brent Kooistra
Allergy and Immunology, Pediatric Pulmonary Disease
Dr. Kooistra has been with Dean Health System since 1989. He was nominated for this award for many efforts, including his development and continual involvement with Camp Wikidas, a camp dedicated to helping children with moderate to severe asthma. The program teaches kids how to better manage their disease in daily life, as well as provides an opportunity to have fun with other kids facing similar issues.

Patient Service Award: Patrick D. Meyer, MD
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Dr. Meyer joined Dean Health System in 1994 and received the highest number of nominations from staff and physicians for superior service to patients. This physician treats patients and families with compassion, concern, humor and understanding. In addition to involving patients in the decision-making process, he shows respect at all levels of development and understands that each patient often requires a slightly different approach.

Clinical Innovation Award: Philip A. Bain, MD
Internal Medicine & DHS Smoking Cessation Initiative Leader
Dr. Bain has been with Dean Health System since 2005. He was nominated for his continual efforts in identifying opportunities to improve, finding workable solutions, coordinating implementation strategies and always taking on the next challenge with great enthusiasm and positive energy. Dr. Bain is currently involved in an initiative that helps primary care physicians and staff identify smokers during routine visits, evaluate their desires to quit and offer smoking cessation help through Dean’s Electronic Medical Records System.

Lifetime Achievement Awards: William P. Rock, MD (Retired) & Charles H. Diggs, MD
This is awarded to physicians with at least 20 years of service to Dean Health System and who have demonstrated long-term vision and outstanding leadership during their tenures with the organization.

William P. Rock, MD (Retired): Internal Medicine, Former Dean Medical Director
Dr. Rock began his career in 1958 as an internist. In addition to being active staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, he was the team physician for Edgewood High School Football for 31 years. This honoree was the first medical director at Dean, was instrumental in starting Hospice in our community and was an early advocate for ethics discussions in the treatment and care of patients. He is a teacher, mentor, outstanding clinician, advocate and role model.

Charles H. Diggs, MD: Oncology and Hematology, Dean Foundation Oncology Study Investigator
Dr. Diggs joined Dean Clinic in 1979. His leadership positions are too numerous to list but include serving as Chair of the PPA Board of Directors, stints on the Dean Foundation and St. Mary’s/Dean Ventures Boards and serving as the chief investigator for his division’s affiliation with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. His career at Dean has been one of exemplary clinical excellence. Dr. Diggs currently services at part-time medical director at the Dean Health Plan.