Champions of Health Care
America’s complex and technologically driven medical system is as sophisticated, complex and expensive as any in the world. But within that vast system are those who still put the “care” in health care and who we recognize as the winners of this year’s Champions of Health Care awards.Edge magazine, in partnership with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, received more than 150 nominations from the public about health care providers, administrators and volunteers who have made health care better in Chattanooga. From among those nominations, a panel of judges comprised of top leaders from the medical society and each of Chattanooga’s three major hospital systems – Erlanger Health System, CHI Memorial Hospital, Parkridge Health System -picked the winners that we salute in the following pages.The Champions of Health Care award winners recognize those who have tackled major community health problems, starting programs to tackle obesity and smoking, adding physical therapy training in Chattanooga, and bringing needed medical services to those without health insurance. Others are recognized for new approaches, strong leadership and simple acts of kindness during their lifetimes of achievement and service.In our second year of the awards, we have quickly discovered the rich talent and commitment from those who work every day to keep us healthy.
It doesn’t take scientific evidence to tell you what makes a good doctor. Sure, you want them to be good at their craft. Your health is in their hands, after all.
Beyond that, though, you want them to really see you – to pay attention and listen. You want them to be no less than a good friend: honest, respectful and caring.
“Kindness is a rare commodity these days,” says Judy Buhrman, a nurse practitioner at CHI Memorial Community Health, in Hixson.
Buhrman spent more than a dozen years working alongside Dr. Jim Davis, MD, whose kindness she saw first as a registered nurse taking care of his patients at CHI Memorial Hospital and later while he was her supervising physician at CHI Memorial’s community health clinics.