LewisGale Medical Center recently recognized three individuals with its 2011 Frist Humanitarian Awards – the highest honor you can receive at an HCA facility, the parent company for LewisGale Regional Health System.
The hospital presented awards to Pat Woltanski, 2011 Frist Humanitarian Employee Award; Ron Simmons, 2011 Frist Humanitarian Volunteer Award, and Dr. William Fintel, 2011 Frist Humanitarian Physician Award.
The Frist Humanitarian Awards are given out annually at HCA affiliated hospitals to an employee, volunteer, and physician who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their communities. The winners from each hospital also have a chance to win the national Frist Humanitarian Award.
At the awards ceremony, Woltanski, Simmons and Fintel were individually recognized for their efforts.
For more than 25 years, Pat Woltanski has been a devoted employee at LewisGale Medical Center, the majority of the time as the Assistant Lab Director. She was nominated by her employees for always putting the needs of others first, from sacrificing vacation time to help staff the department, to giving money to assist a co-worker on the brink of losing her home. She also serves on more than six committees at the hospital and donates to eight different charity organizations.
Since 1999, Ron Simmons has spent hundreds of hours volunteering in the Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy Department. In spite of his own physical disability, he is never discouraged in his desire to help his fellow man. He also donates his time in the kitchen at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. He’s been described as a hero’s hero, as he quietly goes about doing what needs to be done and inspiring those around him.
Dr. Fintel is a community icon who has dedicated more than 24 years of his life to caring for patients as a Medical Oncologist. He has touched the lives of countless people throughout Southwest Virginia, often going above and beyond the call of duty for his patients and the community through his volunteer efforts. He has traveled on many mission trips and served as a youth group director for more than 10 years. Dr. Fintel is also an author, an educator and devoted family man.
