Wake Forest Baptist October Awards and Recognitions, Vol. 2

October 30, 2014

Wake Forest Baptist Chair Receives Highest Honor from National Organization  

Wayne Meredith, M.D., chair of general surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, has been selected to receive the 2014 Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

The award citation states that Meredith was chosen for his “continuous and devoted service as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons” and his “distinctive scientific contributions in cardiovascular physiology during resuscitation, trauma registries and trauma systems.”

ACS is dedicated to improving the care of surgical patients and safeguarding standards of care in an optimal and ethical practice environment.

Wake Forest Baptist Recognized for Excellence in Life Support

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Oct. 31, 2014 – Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has received the Award for Excellence in Life Support from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).

The award recognizes Wake Forest Baptist’s commitment to patient care and demonstrates an assurance of high-quality standards, specialized equipment and supplies, defined patient protocols and advanced education of all staff members.

ELSO is an international consortium of health care professionals and scientists dedicated to the development and evaluation of therapies that support failing organ systems.

Wake Forest Baptist Associate Professor Elected President of State Society

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Oct. 31, 2014 – Susan Burden, M.D., associate professor of ophthalmology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, has been elected president of the North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (NCSEPS).

Burden, a member of the organization since 2006, has previously served as secretary/treasurer and president-elect. Her primary goal as president is to increase involvement of young ophthalmologists in the organization.

NCSEPS provides a range of services and support for ophthalmologists in North Carolina.

Wake Forest Baptist Professor Recognized by Becker’s Healthcare

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Oct. 31, 2014 – Charles Branch, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, has been named one of Becker’s Spine Review’s “235 Spine Surgeons to Know” for 2014.

The list features spine surgeons from around the country who are clinicians in addition to being researchers who have published and presented their findings nationally and internationally. Members of the list were selected based on their professional experience and role in advancing the field.

Becker's Spine Review is a trade publication focused on news and analysis of business and legal issues related to spine surgeons and practices.

Wake Forest Baptist Practice Manager Honored by State Association

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Oct. 31, 2014 – Sandra Jarrett, practice manager for Salisbury Orthopaedic Associates, part of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, has received the President’s Award from the North Carolina Medical Group Management Association (NCMGMA).

The current chair of NCMGMA’s Medicaid Committee and a member of the organization since 1999, Jarrett has been recognized for her contribution to the association, its members and medical practice management.

NCMGMA is dedicated to maximizing the value and effectiveness of medical group leaders through educational programs, information exchange, networking, advocacy and professional development opportunities.

Wake Forest Baptist Cited for Excellence in Tobacco Control

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Oct. 31, 2014 – Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has received the Excellence in Workplace Tobacco Control Award from the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The award recognizes Wake Forest Baptist’s efforts to help its employees stay well by providing tobacco-cessation programs, policies and benefit coverage.

ACS is an organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy and service.

Media Relations

Erin Harris: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587

Shannon Putnam: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587