Recipients of the 2018 Pillars of Professionalism included from left to right: Dr. Carmen Piccolo, Dr. Timothy Hagen, Dr. Jamie Smith, Dr. Amy Murrell and Dr. Gary Emerson.

On December 3, five McLeod physicians were honored with the Pillars of Professionalism Awards during the McLeod Regional Medical Staff meeting. This event is the fifth annual recognition of physicians who reflect the highest values in professional medical excellence.

The 2018 recipients included Dr. Carmen Piccolo, Dr. Timothy Hagen, Dr. Jamie Smith, Dr. Amy Murrell and Dr. Gary Emerson.

The intent of the Pillars of Professionalism is to symbolize the ideas that can effect change in the level of physician service excellence in healthcare. The capstone of this structure is Value. Supporting that capstone are five columns of excellence — Educator, Enthusiastic, Ethical, Efficient and Efficacious. These pillars rest on the solid foundation of Emotional Intelligence.

Dr. Piccolo received the Educator – Mentor Award. This pillar reflects a teacher whose goal is helping others succeed. Dr. Dale Lusk, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for McLeod Health, presented this honor to Dr. Piccolo. Dr. Lusk added that Dr. Piccolo was also honored this year with the Preceptor of the Year award from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM).

The Enthusiastic – Joy of Medicine Award was presented to Dr. Hagen by Dr. Keith Player, who received the award in 2017. This honor is presented to a leader who infects others with excitement and energy about providing healthcare. Dr. Hagen serves as the Medical Director for McLeod Stroke and Neurology Services at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Smith was recognized with the Ethical – Do the Right Thing Award by Dr. Mark Reynolds, the recipient of this honor in 2017. The Ethical Pillar represents a trusted and respected steward who balances the needs of the patient with resources to treat their illness. Dr. Smith cares for patients at McLeod Oncology and Hematology Associates.

The Efficient – Value in Medicine Award was given to Dr. Murrell who displays the attributes of being an agile decision maker who can create simplicity out of complexity. McLeod Emergency Physician Dr. Jeremy Robertson, last year’s recipient of this honor, presented this distinction to Dr. Murrell. A general surgeon, Dr. Murrell cares for patients with Pee Dee Surgical Group.

Dr. Emerson received the Efficacious – Outstanding Outcomes Award from Dr. Mark Reynolds, Chief of Staff for McLeod Regional Medical Center. This pillar reflects a knowledgeable and skilled surveyor of risk management and advocate of coordinated care. Dr. Emerson cares for patients at McLeod OB/GYN Associates.

Dr. Bill Hazelwood, a past recipient of the Pillars of Professionalism, offered an invocation to open the program. He was followed by Dr. Reynolds who offered remarks prior to the presentations. Dr. Lusk closed the program and recognized the award winners and nominees in each category.