Five retired physicians who demonstrated remarkable leadership, professionalism and friendship throughout their medical careers will be honored as recipients of The Nebraska Medical Center’s “Legends” award on Tuesday.
“The Legends honor is an opportunity to recognize the loyalty and hard work these doctors dedicated to their patients, families and the hospital, and acknowledge the success enjoyed today is a result of their commitment to quality care,” said Michael Geis, Executive Director of Development at The Nebraska Medical Center.
The Legends 2006 award winners are:
Robert L. Grissom, M.D. — Dr. Grissom served more than 50 years with the
University of Nebraska Medical Center before his retirement. As the first full-time chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Grissom set very high standards in medical education, medical ethics and in the quality of care and dedication to patients. He stressed the importance of intellectual curiosity, research and the fact that the physician should be a life-long learner.
Paul E. Hodgson, M.D. — As chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Hodgson was an innovator in surgical education locally and at the national level. Most notable were the many years of leadership he provided in the American College of Surgeons. Throughout his professional career, Dr. Hodgson was consistently recognized as an excellent role model for the many students and residents who served under him.
Henry M. Lemon, M.D. — When Dr. Lemon joined the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1961 to serve as director of the newly founded Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, he became Nebraska’s first medical oncologist. During his seven-year tenure as Eppley Institute Director, Dr. Lemon was instrumental in establishing UNMC as a major cancer research and treatment center. Dr. Lemon died in 1997.
Harry W. McFadden, M.D. — A nationally recognized pathologist, Dr. McFadden served as chairman of the Council on Microbiology of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists for two years. He received his medical degree from UNMC and later chaired the Department of Medical Microbiology. He retired in 1985.
Frederick F. Paustian, M.D. — Whether it was in the classroom at UNMC instructing students or in clinic, Dr. Paustian has impacted the health of Nebraskans for the past five decades. He initiated and developed the section of gastroenterology at UNMC. His efforts were also integral to the introduction of the Share Health Plan to Nebraska. He oversaw the initial development and direction of Share, the first major health-care organization to enter the Omaha metropolitan area.
The Legends award recipients were nominated and selected by a committee of fellow doctors. To be nominated and honored as a Legend, physicians had to meet a wide variety of criteria including providing high quality care to their patients, contributing to the growth of the hospital, excellent character and treating nurses and other health care professionals with respect and dignity.
The recipients will be honored Tuesday at a private dinner and reception that will feature a short video presentation highlighting their career and accomplishments as well as comments from friends, family members and colleagues.
Both Clarkson Regional Health Services and The Nebraska Medical Center are sponsors of the Legends award.