Press Release
Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare recognizes outstanding physician, board member
For immediate release, March 27, 2009
Contact
Chris Doucet, Public Relations Coordinator, 630-993-5819
ELMHURST – Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare recently held its Annual Leadership Awards Dinner at the Ravinia Festival. The annual event, which took place on March 14, honors physicians and board members who have displayed exemplary leadership qualities during the past year, and includes the presentation of the Medical Staff Distinguished Service Award and the Robert E. Soukup Award for Leadership.
The recipient of this year’s Medical Staff Distinguished Service Award was Fred Jacobs, MD of Oak Park. Dr. Jacobs is the Medical Director of Emergency Services at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) and is a Past President of the EMH Medical Staff.
“Fred is one of those people who when you mention his name, everyone has a story about how he helped them, mentored them or inspired them,” noted Mike Martirano, MD, President of the EMH Medical Staff, who presented him with the award. “His expertise, leadership and caring demeanor has made a lasting impact on patients, staff and the organization as a whole.”
The Robert E. Soukup Award for Leadership was presented to Darrell Whistler of Elmhurst. Whistler has been an active leader at Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (EMHC), holding numerous positions on the Boards of Trustees and Board of Governors. He is also known for his involvement in a variety of community organizations. Whistler has held most of the elected offices of the Elmhurst Jaycees and previously served on the Park District Advisory Board and the YMCA Board of Directors. He was elected Chairman of the Board for the Elmhurst Economic Development Corporation in 1994 and has had a long tenure as Chairman of the Elmhurst Zoning and Planning Commission.
“Darrell believes strongly in giving back, not just to the hospital but to many local organizations. He is a family man, who loves to travel and as many have said, he’s one of the busiest men in Elmhurst,” remarked Leo Fronza, President/CEO of EMHC who presented him with the award. “His generosity when it comes to sharing his expertise, insights and wisdom is invaluable to us—Darrell is the epitome of the word volunteer.”