The Chattanooga Times Free Press and Edge Magazine, in partnership with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, will recognize local "Champions of Health Care" with a new award program this year to honor individuals who are making a significant impact on the quality of health care in the Chattanooga area.
Nominations are being sought through May 13 for persons or organizations in seven award categories. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges in leadership roles in the local health care industry. One winner in each category will be announced at an awards luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 21, and profiled in the September issue of Edge magazine.
"We believe this new program will help increase awareness of the quality of health care in our community," said Bruce Hartmann, president of The Chattanooga Times Free Press "It's also a chance to celebrate some of those in the field who are dedicated to advancing the quality of life of others."
Any individual may nominate a person or organization at www.championschatt.com for the following awards:
* Lifetime Achievement: Honors a health care leader who has left a legacy on the quality and delivery of health care.
* Community Outreach: Honors a company or organization that reached out of its normal sphere of operation to focus attention on a health care issue or help solve a community problem.
* Innovation in Health Care: Honors a company or individual primarily responsible for a scientific discovery or new process, device or service that can save lives or improve the quality of lives.
* Physician: Honors a physician whose performance is considered exemplary by patients and peers.
* Nonphysician Practitioner: Honors a health care provider other than a doctor (nurse, pharmacist, physicians' assistant, researcher, technician, etc.) whose performance is considered exemplary by patients and peers.
* Administrative Excellence: Honors a health care administrator whose performance, care and leadership are considered exemplary by patients and peers.
* Health Care Volunteer: Honors a volunteer in the community that has demonstrated commitment and passion for serving those in need.
In addition to the nomination narrative space on the submission forms online, people can submit additional information on a nominee by emailing it to events@timesfreepress.com.