HR1233 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1233 LRB097 23013 MST 71820 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Dr. H. Timothy Garrett for receiving the "2012 Rural Physician of Excellence Award" from the Illinois Rural Health Association; 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 his residency at Tulsa Regional Hospital, Dr. Garrett joined Richland Memorial Hospital's emergency department in 1984; and

WHEREAS, After having gone 2 years without a physician, the village of West Salem held fundraisers to open a clinic, which Dr. Garrett was able to staff in June 1984; he opened a second clinic in Olney in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Garrett was among the first physicians in the area to recognize the importance of fulfilling the healthcare needs of rural America through the use of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Garrett serves as a preceptor in family practice for students going through the SIU Physician Assistant program; he serves as the medical director of the intensive care unit at Richland Memorial Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Garrett has become an integral part of the Richland and Edwards county communities' over the past quarter of a century; he is not only known for his medical expertise, but for his exceptional bedside manner as well; he not only never forgets a patient's name, he never forgets their favorite sports team either; and

WHEREAS, The word "hopeless" does not seem to be in Dr. Garrett's vocabulary, always going the extra mile to explore every possible treatment option; he has a special place in his heart for the community's most vulnerable citizens, always making extra time to ensure that the area's senior residents get the utmost in quality care; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend Dr. Garrett for his selfless service to his community and the impact he has made on the improving rural health over the past 30 years; and be it further

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