The Vermont Medical Society recognized five Vermonters – three of them with ties to the University of Vermont – for their outstanding contributions to the health and wellbeing of the state’s residents during its 199th annual meeting held October 27, 2012 in Woodstock, Vt.
Vermont Medical Society Distinguished Service Award recipient, Professor of Medicine Virginia Hood, M.B.B.S, M.P.H. (Photo by Raj Chawla, UVM Medical Photography)
The Vermont Medical Society (Society) recognized five Vermonters – three of them with ties to the University of Vermont – for their outstanding contributions to the health and wellbeing of the state’s residents during its 199th annual meeting held October 27, 2012 in Woodstock, Vt.
Virginia L. Hood, M.B.B.S., M.P.H., professor of medicine and a nephrologist at Fletcher Allen Health Care, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest award the Society can bestow upon one of its members. This award is given on the basis of meritorious service in the science and art of medicine and for outstanding contributions to the medical profession, its organizations, and the welfare of the public. Earlier this year, Hood concluded a term as president of the American College of Physicians, the nation’s second largest physician organization. At the event, the Society commended Hood for representing the entire Vermont physician community in a truly admirable fashion and serving as a compelling advocate for the welfare of the public and its access to high-quality health care services.
Toni H. Kaeding, M.S., R.N., adjunct assistant professor of nursing, was presented with the Founders’ Award, which is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and achievement in improving the health of Vermonters and all Americans. Kaeding was honored for her contributions to the nursing workforce in the state. She authored research that identified a nursing shortage in Vermont, and won a $3 million foundation grant that provided scholarships to the state’s top nursing students. Kaeding served as administrator of the program, which has spurred increased nursing school enrollment in the state.
The Physician Award for Community Service was given posthumously to UVM College of Medicine alumnus Harry M. Rowe, M.D.’43, in recognition for his outstanding record of community service, most exemplified by the 61 years he served on his local Wells River school board. The Physician Award for Community Services is granted annually to a physician who has compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his or her specific identification as a physician, reflects well on the profession. Rowe was a founding member of the Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Family Practice and former president of the Society. A Rotarian for 60 years, he sang in the North County Chorus for 64 years and earned a Bronze star for meritorious service as a Captain in the 303rd Medical Battalion, 78th Infantry division during World War II.
(This article was adapted from a news release produced by Justin Campfield of ThinkSpark Media on behalf of the Vermont Medical Society.)