Dr. Cruz of MMC Receives 2019 Rural Health Ambassador Award
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 -- 11:54 AM
-A long time Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville, formerly Memorial Medical Center, employee received a special award on Tuesday.Dr. Maria Cruz was surprised with the 2019 Rural Health Ambassador Award. Jeremy Levin of the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative explained the award.
"Dr. Cruz has gone beyond the call of duty in promoting her respective organization. And obviously, if you're dealing with a lot of the opioid crisis and other substance use disorders, that effects all of our communities. The award criteria does not necessarily emphasis job performance or years of service, but 23 years is a good start, so they clearly want to keep you around a little longer. An ideal candidate should demonstrate the history of fostering a positive communication and relations within the hospital respective service area. The nominee must be involved in one or more activities that enhance the image of the hospital within their community and supports and strengthens rural health care in the community."
Dr. Cruz was nominated by Ryan Neville, MMC’s CEO, and Jeremy read what Mr. Neville had to say about Dr. Cruz.
"Ryan did nominate you. And I just wanted to let you know some of the kind words he did say. He said that you've been committed to the rural community for the past 23 years. Dr. Cruz understands the social determinant in rural society, proactively advocates to medical staff and administration for programs to assist and the impact you can make on those lives that you take care of every day. He concludes that Dr. Cruz is smart, passionate and extremely passionate to rural communities."
Finally, Dr. Cruz had this to say…
"I was totally not expecting this! I was working on my charts and having problems with my charts and Sally says come on! And I said, where are we going? This is a complete surprise for me, but nevertheless, this is a very pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting this. It says here Dr. Maria G. Cruz Rural Health Ambassador 2019. It's so special. Neillsville has been a very, very special part of me. I've been here for 23 years and I don't think I could love a community just like I love this place. This place has been good to me and family and I try to give back to the community. I think if we continue to have this kind of relationship, I'll be here until I retire, which may be never!"
Congratulations to Dr. Cruz on all her accomplishments.
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