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| Local Pediatrician Chosen SMMC’s Caregiver of the Year |
YORK COUNTY, ME – Donald Burgess, M.D., is a well-respected pediatrician who cares for thousands of children each year at Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) Pediatrics in Kennebunk. At SMMC’s recent annual Employee Recognition Dinner, Dr. Burgess was named SMMC’s Caregiver of the Year in recognition for the outstanding care he provides to his patients, his unique leadership, collaborative spirit, and empathy. The many parents and children who rely on him for care agree - Dr. Burgess is a caregiver who places the physical, emotional and mental needs of his patients and their families at the very core of everything he does.
“I have known Don for over 15 years and this award is a wonderful recognition of the extraordinary commitment he has made to our community, within and well beyond his pediatric practice,” stated Ed McGeachey, president and CEO of SMMC. “He has cared for children in our community since 1994 when he first joined SMMC’s medical staff. The SMMC Caregiver of the Year award reflects Don’s exceptional commitment to his patients, but it also recognizes the extraordinary initiatives he has led in the community and even on a statewide level to ensure the best of care for all children, especially children with mental health and behavioral challenges, asthma and obesity diagnoses.”
In addition to being a valued pediatrician, Dr. Burgess is the Medical Director and Founder of the Bridges for Integrated Health/Pediatric Evaluations for Developmental Solutions Clinic, Co-Founder and Co-Director of York County Children's Mental Health Collaborative, Board Member of the United Way of York County and SMMC Board of Directors, Member of the Asthma Program Advisory Committee for Ah! Asthma Education, School Physician in the Kennebunk Schools and Camp Physician for Camp William Hinds of Boy Scouts of America.
McGeachey adds, “Most recently he advocated strongly for state support of universal vaccinations, an area where Maine used to lead the nation but has in the last few years fallen way behind. Last month Don went to Augusta for the signing of legislation that is the fruits of his advocacy, ensuring that all Maine children once again have access to free inexpensive vaccinations.”
Dr. Burgess is a caregiver who clearly lives Southern Maine Medical Center’s mission of “Excellent healthcare provided with compassion and respect” every day, and then goes beyond that to live that mission as a passion in his entire life.
The Caregiver of the Year award is chosen from among nominations received based upon patient comments and peer recommendations throughout the organization. The recipient must meet the following criteria: exemplify extraordinary commitment to patients on a daily basis; show compassion, empathy and respect in the delivery of care to patients and their families; acknowledge and meet the unique physical, emotional and practical needs of patients and their families and; promote an environment of cooperation and collaboration in which the expertise and experience of all health care professionals are available to patients.
SMMC’s Caregiver of the Year is nominated each year for the Maine Hospital Association’s Maine Caregiver of the Year Award, which recognizes the state’s outstanding caregiver. This award is announced annually at the Maine Hospital Association’s Conference at the end of June.
Past SMMC Caregiver of the Year award recipients include: Bob Gowen, R.Ph. in 2003; Connor Moore, M.D. in 2004; Diane Frechette, RN, BSN, CNOR in 2005 (who was also named Maine’s 2005 Caregiver of the Year); Gregory Leach, M.D. in 2006 (also named Maine’s 2006 Caregiver of the Year), Cynthia Pinette, RT in 2007, Rose Labrie, RN in 2008, and Jim Pitts, RN in 2009.
Southern Maine Medical Center (SMMC) is a national award-winning medical center offering excellent clinical care that is also compassionate and attentive to each patient's individual needs. In conjunction with a medical staff of over 200 highly-skilled physicians, SMMC offers Maine's newest state-of-the-art emergency and fast track care as well as a full range of inpatient and outpatient services at its 150-bed acute care medical center located just off Exit 32 of I-95 in Biddeford. Additionally, SMMC's physician services offer high quality medical care at physician offices located in Biddeford, Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach and Saco; a full range of outpatient services at its diagnostic and therapy centers in Saco, Kennebunk, and Biddeford. SMMC also offers superior home nursing care through affiliate SMMC Visiting Nurses. SMMC is Joint Commission accredited, state-licensed, and a member of MaineHealth. To find a physician associated with SMMC, go to www.smmc.org/medstaff.
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