Resurrection Health Care recently recognized two Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center  physicians with first-time awards at a March physician leadership awards ceremony.

James Lang, M.D., of Logan Square received the Best Physician Servant Leader Award for his community-service focus. Korathu Thomas, M.D., was presented with the Lifetime Leadership Award. The doctors were selected from among dozens of physicians nominated throughout the RHC for these first-time awards.

Dr. Lang’s Recognition

An advocate for the underprivileged, Dr. Lang is known for his humble approach and collaborative style. Board-certified in family medicine with obstetric privileges, Dr. Lang joined the SMEMC medical staff in 1990.

Since 1997, Dr. Lang has served as medical director of the West Logan Square Family Health Clinic in Chicago. The community-based organization provides comprehensive primary care, preventive care, oral health and mental health/substance abuse services to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay.

“He truly symbolizes the essence of a physician servant leader,” said David DiLoreto, M.D., RHC’s executive vice president and chief medical officer. “He is known for his humble approach toward others and demonstrating a style that is one of collaborating and working with others through teamwork, listening, recognition and healing.”

In 2010, Dr. Lang received SMEMCS’s first-time Physician CARES award for advancing the practice of medicine through volunteerism, health-care access, service, compassion and community service. Over the years, Dr. Lang has provided leadership on internal and external medical staff committees.

 Dr. Thomas’ Recognition

A 31-year medical staff member, Dr. Thomas was recognized for his leadership roles on the medical staff, his private practice and as a published researcher.

Dr. Thomas is board-certified in oncology, hematology and internal medicine. He serves as vice-chairperson of the Department of Medicine and division chief of hematology and oncology.

“During his 31-year tenure at the medical center, Dr. Thomas has made significant contributions to the field of medicine, patients, peers, colleagues, administrators and staff,” Dr. DiLoreto said.  “Dr. Thomas played a key role in the integration of the two hospitals’ medical staffs from 2001 – 2003.”

In his soft-spoken and graceful manner, Dr. Thomas advocates health-care access for all people, regardless of their ability to pay. He provides patients with care from the holistic perspective, with a strong emphasis in blood diseases; breast, colon, lung, prostate and stomach disease; and lymphoma.

“We’re so proud of Drs. Thomas and Lang,” said Margaret McDermott, executive vice president and chief executive officer, SMEMC. “They are superb leaders, who have selflessly served us in so many ways. They epitomize the true essence of the awards for which they were chosen.”

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About SMEMC

SMEMC is an award-winning medical center on Chicago’s near northwest side and includes two campuses: Saint Mary Campus, 2233 W. Division St., and Saint Elizabeth Campus, 1431 N. Claremont Ave. The Saint Mary Campus is certified as a Primary Stroke Center and accredited as a Chest Pain Center. The hospital specializes in primary care, obstetrics, cardiac care, behavioral health and emergency services. For two years in a row (2011 and 2010), the medical center received HealthGrades^®  Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Award^TM. In 2011, SMEMC earned the following HealthGrades awards: Stroke Care Excellence, Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence and Gastrointestinal Care Excellence. In 2011, HealthGrades gave the medical center 12, five-star ratings (the highest level) in the following areas: heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, gastrointestinal surgery, gastrointestinal bleed, bowel obstruction, cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) and sepsis (complication of a serious bacterial infection). Visit smemc.reshealth.org/best.

About Resurrection Health Care

SMEMC is part of Resurrection Health Care, a nationally ranked leader in quality care. In 2010, we were recognized by HealthGrades with the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ at three hospitals, 14 specialty excellence awards and 48 five-star ratings, placing our hospitals among the top in the nation. Our family of health care services, including hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, home health services, behavioral health programs and numerous outpatient services throughout Chicagoland, provides advanced medical care and  exceptional customer service with compassion and hope. Resurrection Health Care is a not-for-profit Catholic organization sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Sisters of the Resurrection.

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