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Ministry Health Care is pleased to announce the nomination of Rebecca D. Perry, MD for the 2008 Country Doctor of the Year Award. The Country Doctor of the Year award, sponsored by Staff Care®, recognizes physicians for their continuing contribution to rural healthcare.

Annually this award is presented to a physician who best exemplifies the spirit, skill and dedication of America's rural medical practitioners. The award is open to primary care physicians practicing in the United States or U.S. territories. Completed nominations needed to be submitted by Sept. 30, 2008. A selection committee comprised of industry executives and experienced rural physicians’ judges nominations based on the following criteria:

• Scope of Care. The nominated physician must provide primary care to patients of all ages.

• Quality of Care. The nominee must demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise and a commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the community and/or throughout the profession.

• Rural Location. The nominated physician must practice in a community of 25,000 people or less.

• Dedication. The nominee must have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to patients and community during the year and throughout his or her career.

Dr. Perry, Internal Medicine physician at Ministry Medical Group clinic in Crandon, fulfilled all the required criteria plus more. Rebecca D. Niehaus Perry (nee: Conway) was born on Sept. 21, 1948 in Crandon. She graduated from Crandon High School in 1966 as Valedictorian of her class. She earned her Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1970 and her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1978. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Marshfield Clinic/Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield in 1981. Also in 1981 she joined Northwoods Medical Center practicing in their Crandon satellite and she has been there ever since.

“It never crossed Dr. Perry’s mind that she would practice anywhere else. She could have gone to Madison, Milwaukee, or Chicago where she would have made more money, and enjoyed the luxuries many of her classmates coveted. Instead she returned to where she knew she belonged and where the need existed.” said colleague Dr. Robert Sookochoff, Regional Vice President – Ministry Medical Group. “Other doctors have come and gone. New clinics have appeared in adjacent towns. Dr. Perry’s practice has transferred ownership from a small group, to a larger group, to the organization that comprises it today – Ministry Medical Group. It did not matter to her which employer signed her paycheck; she was working for the people of Crandon. She labored tirelessly to improve medical services in the area. Relentlessly she lobbied for more service, more attention, and more resources on behalf of her patients and her community. Largely because of her advocacy, Ministry Health Care recently announced their plans to construct a brand new medical clinic due to be completed in December, 2009 – an announcement Dr. Perry has waited years to hear.”

As an internal medicine specialist, Dr. Perry provides general adult health care and has particular interest in health maintenance. She also provides family acute medical care. With her colleagues, Amy Franti, FNP and Richard Brandner, MD, Dr. Perry is able to provide full-time clinic coverage in Crandon. As part of Ministry Medical Group, Dr. Perry has access to the latest medical equipment and support services. In addition, Crandon has access to a wide variety of specialists who visit the clinic frequently.

“I feel fortunate that the people of Crandon allow me to serve them. It is a small repayment for all that I have received,” said Dr. Perry.

“Dr. Perry has lived her life promoting the values of service, presence, vision and justice – the core values of Ministry Health Care. In a profession where so many ask ‘What’s in it for me?’ the question on her mind has always been ‘What more can I do for you?’ She is a credit to her profession and to humanity. It has been an honor to work with her. I cannot envision a more appropriate recipient of the Country Doctor of the Year,” said Dr. Sookochoff.

Dr. Perry’s nomination was submitted by her colleagues, patients, friends and family. The group truly hopes that after reviewing Dr. Perry’s nomination, the selection committee will feel as they do, that the 2008 Country Doctor of the Year Award should be given to Dr. Rebecca Perry from Crandon.

All nominations for the award will be reviewed by the selection committee. The top three nominations are identified. Telephone interviews will conducted with the top three physicians as well as an onsite visit is arranged. The selection committee intends to make their final decision and announcement of the 2008 Country Doctor of the Year in December, 2008.

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