HR1222 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1222 LRB097 22905 MST 71707 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Dr. Katherine Austman on receiving the "2012 Rural Physician of Excellence Award" from the Illinois Rural Health Association; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Austman received her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford in 2001; and

WHEREAS, One of the biggest healthcare challenges across our nation is the shortage of physicians who practice in rural settings; and

WHEREAS, After completing her residency in Family Practice at the Methodist Medical Center of Illinois in Peoria, Dr. Austman began her service to the rural residents of Ford County when she joined the staff at Gibson Area Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Austman's certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation, Advanced Life Support for Obstetrics, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support allow her to provide the utmost in care to rural families; and

WHEREAS, Because of her hard work and respect of her colleagues, Dr. Austman is the current Chief of Medical Staff at Gibson Area Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Austman's commitment to providing access to healthcare to "brand new rural residents" is exemplified in cases in which she delivered babies in non-traditional settings, such as her office or at the home of a new mom, who at the time was not even a patient; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Austman often sees patients after hours and in her own home if necessary, in order for there not to be any delays in care; and

WHEREAS, In order to expose young people to careers in medicine, Dr. Austman provides transportation to the community's elementary school students so they can participate in Gibson Area Hospital's annual "School Tours"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Austman provides health education to her community by being an active participant in area health fairs; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Austman supports many local charities' 5K runs and rallies the rest of the medical staff to join her; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Austman supervises a physician assistant in order to expand the care rural residents in her community receive; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Dr. Katherine Austman on the impacts she makes on improving access to rural health care; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Austman as a symbol of our respect and esteem.