News

Pardee Foundation honors physician, philanthropists of the year

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 6, 2023

Before hundreds of guests at its annual gala, Saturday at Blue Ridge Community College, Pardee Hospital Foundation announced the 2023 Physician of the Year and Philanthropists of the Year and celebrated expanded services throughout the region.

Neurologist and UNC Health Pardee Chief of Staff Joel Callahan — a member of the Pardee team for 12 years — received this year’s Physician of the Year honor. Those who nominated him, including patients, community members and fellow medical providers, had much to say about Dr. Callahan’s focus on the people he serves, calling him a leader and advocate who is committed to providing — and growing — top-notch care for the people of the community.

“It’s amazing,” Callahan said after learning he received the award. “Being part of the Pardee team is something that I feel great about because I know I’m working for a place that is doing good in our community.”

Dick and Nancy Burns were honored as outstanding philanthropists. Pardee Hospital Foundation Chair Marilyn Gordon made this announcement, characterizing them as humble, kind and authentic.

“They are doers,” she said. “They are a powerful part of our UNC Health Pardee community who give selfless gifts of time, talent and treasure.”

In addition to being generous donors to the Pardee Hospital Foundation, the Burnses were recognized for their service greeting patients and families at the hospital’s information desk, helping as trained “transporters” who assist patients to their cars after medical appointments, and supporting those receiving treatment at Pardee’s Cancer Center. Importantly, they were also integral to Pardee’s early work to expand cardiac services as members of the cardiac committee.

This year’s event also focused on Pardee’s commitment to expanding cardiology services, which is one of several imminent growth priorities for the organization. In the last year, UNC Health Pardee had almost 688,000 patient encounters while working towards expanding the hospital’s reach with the opening of practices in new communities and by growing capacity in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and primary care with the addition of new providers.

The 2023 gala was underwritten by Platinum Sponsor Norm’s Minit Mart; Silver Sponsor First Citizens Bank; and Bronze Sponsors Carolina Village, Champion Comfort, Hall and Sonja Waddell, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co., Hendersonville Health & Rehab, the Lodge at Mills River, StoneCreek and Wilsonart.