Northwestern Medicine Honors Lake Zurich Physician for Extraordinary Contributions to the Community

CHICAGO, IL, February 4, 2019 - Northwestern Medicine celebrated the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his ongoing legacy of service during the 40th Annual Humanitarian Awards Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Neurologist Dr. Heeren Patel, a physician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital and Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, was one of five individuals who were presented awards for their extraordinary contributions to the community and for embodying Dr. King's legacy of humanitarianism.

The Humanitarian Awards launched in 1979 to honor individuals, both employees and physicians from across the Northwestern Medicine health system, who best exemplify the ideals of Dr. King, as demonstrated by a positive impact in the community. Since its creation, the Humanitarian Award has been awarded to 77 employees and 29 physicians.

Patel was recognized with a Humanitarian Award for his work volunteering at a summer camp for children with muscular dystrophy. First approached five years ago to serve as an "on-call" physician for the camp, Patel saw an opportunity to provide better care and a better experience for the campers by volunteering in person. Since his first year at camp, he has assembled a volunteer medical team that provides not only clinical care, but also connects with the kids on a personal level. Patel volunteers with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and lives in Lake Zurich.