St. Elizabeth Medical Center celebrated its 146th anniversary Wednesday, December 12 by honoring an employee and a recipient of its community award. Following a 12 p.m. Founder’s Day service in the Medical Center Chapel, The Cardiac Research Institute at Masonic Medical Research Laboratory received the Founder’s Day Community Award and Michele Ward received the Mother Bernardina Award, which is named after the Medical Center’s founder and is presented to an employee. The winner of this award is chosen by Medical Center employees for significant contributions to the Medical Center, exemplifying its mission, vision and philosophy and for always going the extra mile. The Cardiac Research Institute at Masonic Medical Research Laboratory has gained international renown and wide acclaim in the scientific and medical community as a leading cardiac research center. The hallmark of the institute is its innovative and imaginative approach to fighting heart disease. The MMRL’s legacy of scientific breakthroughs has helped to generate new heart medications and develop diagnostic procedures for the management of cardiac arrhythmias, and has aided in the advancement of life-saving technologies. The MMRL is also one of the top genetic screening centers in the world dedicated to helping families afflicted with sudden death syndromes. “As a community, we are extremely fortunate to have an organization such as The Cardiac Research Institute at Masonic Medical Research Laboratory,” said Richard Ketcham, President/CEO of St. Elizabeth Medical Center. “The research being done by Dr. Charles Antzelevitch and his team has led to many advancements in the management of cardiac arrhythmias and other causes of heart disease. Masonic Medical Research Laboratory is a jewel in our community.” Michele Ward has been employed at the Medical Center for 32 years. She is currently an angiography technologist in the Radiology Department. Mrs. Ward is a graduate of the St. Elizabeth School of Radiography. She is committed to her job and works well with the Radiography students. She shows them the importance of good images and never loses sight of being kind and respectful to patients. Mrs. Ward is also active at the Abraham House in Utica, working on many of its fund-raising events. Abraham House is a home that provides care, and both emotional and spiritual support for the terminally ill and their families at no cost. She and her husband, Ken, reside in Marcy. They are the parents of two daughters, Jenna and Kathleen. | |
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| Pictured left to right are: Dr. Charles Antzelevitch and Michele Ward. |