NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation Hosts 2nd Annual Appreciation Event for Physician Philanthropy Champions
Philanthropy took center stage on Thursday, May 16, for the 2nd Annual Appreciation Event for NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Foundation's Physician Philanthropy Champions (PPC). The PPC was established in 2008 in an effort to encourage and support physician engagement with friend-raising and fund-raising at NorthShore. Philanthropy has been instrumental to establishing clinical programs and vital patient support services, providing seed money to initiate leading-edge research, and helping to elevate expertise and excellence in a number of clinical areas at NorthShore. What began as a group of six now has a membership of over 170 physician ambassadors championing philanthropy for the organization.
More than 30 physicians gathered at NorthShore Evanston Hospital to salute and celebrate long-time NorthShore physician, dedicated philanthropy champion, and PPC Founding Chairman, Nicholas A. Vick, MD. Dr. Vick was honored for his outstanding leadership and unwavering efforts to inspire philanthropic support to benefit patients and families at NorthShore.
“On behalf of the Executive Committee and fellow PPC members, I want to thank Dr. Vick for his wisdom, foresight and guidance,” said James C. Kudrna, MD, PhD, and current Chairman of the PPC. “He has been a vocal champion of physician engagement in philanthropy and, thanks to his vision, a robust philanthropic program is considered to be a valuable – and necessary – asset to NorthShore's long-term success.”
This year's honoree has had a long and distinguished career at NorthShore, and is a nationally recognized expert in brain tumors. He received his MD degree from the University of Chicago and went on to the National Institutes of Health where his career-long interest in brain tumors began. Since 1975, Dr. Vick has spearheaded a regional clinical neuro-oncology program at NorthShore that sees more than 250 new brain tumor patients each year.
Dr. Vick understood early on how philanthropy can be leveraged to establish and grow clinical programs and initiate new research, while offering an opportunity for grateful patients and their families to say “thank you” to their physicians. Over the years, Dr. Vick's compassionate and expert care has inspired hundreds of charitable gifts to NorthShore, resulting in millions of dollars donated for the ultimate benefit of NorthShore's patients.
For more information about ways to support NorthShore University HealthSystem, please call (224) 364-7200 or visit foundation.northshore.org.
About NorthShore University HealthSystem
Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 800+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore's ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.
NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, cardiovascular care, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.