2016 Physician Appreciation Honorees
Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation's Physician Philanthropy Award
Pathology Associates of Albuquerque, PA
Pathology Associates of Albuquerque, PA, shares the goal of Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation to help improve the health of patients throughout New Mexico, and have proudly partnered with the Foundation for more than 30 years. Since 1986, PAA and its physicians have given almost $1 million to the Foundation. Significant projects they have supported include Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, Robert Shafer Memorial Library, Laughter is the Best Medicine, Daffodil Days, the Pathology Lab, and much more. Currently, four members of PAA have signed on as Luminary Circle members.
Presbyterian Sarah Kotchian Clinical Quality Award
Presbyterian Primary Care
In 2015, Presbyterian Primary Care created an evidence-based care design to identify and treat hypertension. This initiative was part of Million Hearts®, a national initiative with an ambitious goal to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common and dangerous condition, affecting about one in every three U.S. adults. This award recognizes those who built this care model as well as the physicians, pharmacists, nurses, behavioral health clinicians, and support staff who have achieved national best performance for hypertension control.
Presbyterian Reverend Hugh A. Cooper Award
Eddie G. Benge, MD
Dr. Eddie Benge practiced alongside Erik Carlson from 1981-1990 when they affiliated with Presbyterian in what was called a Practice Development Agreement, which eventually began the Presbyterian Medical Group. Eddie has always worked tirelessly to treat his patients and advance medical improvements in our community. He has served on various committees and been a member of the PHS Board of Directors. After a brief hiatus from Presbyterian, Eddie came back in 2001 as the Vice President of Medical Staff Affairs. Then in 2009, Eddie returned to clinical practice as a member of Presbyterian Rheumatology group where he enjoys seeing patients on a full-time basis.
Presbyterian Reverend Hugh A. Cooper Award
Carl F. Lagerstrom, MD
When Carl moved to Albuquerque in the early 90s, he and a small group of surgeons saw the need to bring congenital heart surgery to the Children’s Medical Center at Presbyterian Hospital. Throughout the years that saw massive changes to the Albuquerque health care landscape, one thing has remained constant – Dr. Lagerstrom has stood with Presbyterian and Presbyterian has been lucky to have him as the sole congenital heart surgeon from 1997 through today. Dr. Lagerstrom also donates his time and talents to Healing the Children and Samaritan’s Purse.