KishHealth System Honors Physicians

Seventh Annual Acclaimed Physician Awards Recognize Local Doctors

KishHealth System recently honored three members of its medical staff with Acclaimed Physicians for 2014. Many doctors were nominated by their patients and patients’ family members, health system employees, community members, and medical staff colleagues. Doctors recognized with Acclaimed Physician Awards this year are Drs. Teresa E. Grant, internist and pediatrician in Sandwich and Yorkville, Dhaval N. Thakkar, internist in Sycamore, and Timothy J. Ruetten, family medicine physician in Sycamore.

Teresa E. Grant, MD received the Acclaimed Physician Outstanding Service to Patients Award. Recipients of this award are nominated by patients, caregivers, and KishHealth System staff for physicians who consistently exceed expectations in the care of their patients and families, showing a greater commitment in understanding of and responsiveness to the physical, spiritual, emotional and intellectual needs of their patients. One nominator stated, “As a nurse working with Dr. Grant I am constantly amazed and impressed by her compassion and true care that she provides to her patients. She makes personal calls to patients when they have concerns to help put their minds at ease. She knows each patient by name and face as well as knowing their family members.” Dr. Grant is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics. She joined the KishHealth System medical staff in 2004.

Dhaval N. Thakkar, MD received the Acclaimed Physician Promotion of Quality Care Award. Nominations for this award are made only by other physicians. A doctor is nominated for making him or herself highly accessible to fellow colleagues, providing exceptional service allowing for smooth delivery of patient care, for being responsible in bringing a new technology or service to the health system that enhances and greatly improves care to patients, or for participating in a medical research study that contributes to the advancement in a particular field and brings that research to health system patients. One of Dr. Thakkar’s nominators wrote: “He always seemed to have all the time in the world when seeing my mother, and always made us feel like we were his only patients that day,” and, “Each time [my mother was admitted to the hospital] Dr. Thakkar was called and immediately came to see her.” Another nominator wrote: “One could search the world and never find a better doctor than Dr. Thakkar,” and, “He patiently listens, is thorough in ruling out possibilities and presenting options, visits his patients when they are in the hospital, and makes his patients feel like valued human beings instead of a chart number or appointment slot. Under his care, patients know they are receiving the best care possible. He is a blessing to his patient community and his kindness and professionalism are greatly appreciated.” Dr. Thakkar is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He joined the KishHealth System medical staff in 2000.

Timothy J. Ruetten, MD received the Acclaimed Physician Humanitarian/Community Service Award. The award recognizes doctors who donate their time and their medical expertise to help those in need, providing medical care and sharing their knowledge without charge within the KishHealth System area, providing services to international causes, and actively volunteering in the community. One of Dr. Ruetten’s nominators stated, “As a member of our community, Dr. Timothy Ruetten has added so much. He is kind and generous. He has been an advocate for improving health.” The nominator added: “Dr. Ruetten has been an active member within the community for many years especially being involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He has also been instrumental in supporting the county-wide disaster drill activity having boy scouts participating as victims, camping out on the hospital grounds, all while testing systems in place for true disasters.” Dr. Ruetten is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He joined the KishHealth System medical staff in 1994.

For more information about the KishHealth System medical staff, visit www.kishfindadoctor.org.