Southwell honors employees at awards banquet

TIFTON – Southwell saluted colleagues at its annual awards banquet this week at the First Baptist Church Ministry Center in Tifton. Southwell consists of Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Southwell Medical and Southwell Health and Rehabilitation in Adel, and Southwell Physician Practices with clinics located throughout the region.

“Tonight is a special night of well-deserved tributes, honors and recognition,” Southwell President/CEO Christopher Dorman said. “Our physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, therapists, technicians, and support staff work around the clock to meet the needs of patients. Whether it’s at one of our hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, or skilled nursing facility, the entire Southwell team merits our deepest gratitude, admiration, and support.”

The TRMC Foundation honored Dr. Richard McCullough with the Exceptional Physician Award. McCullough is a board-certified internal medical physician with Southwell Medical Clinic in Tifton. The TRMC Foundation also recognized Shea Seagraves with the Advanced Practice Provider Award. Seagraves is a nurse practitioner with South Georgia Surgical in Tifton. In addition, the TRMC Foundation named RN Kristen Garrett with the TRMC Orthopedics Unit as the Jensen Patrick Nursing Excellence Award winner.

The John B. Prince Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize a long-standing associate of TRMC who is also a leader in the community, using their influence to help further the mission of the hospital. This year’s award was presented to RN Jill McIntyre, who serves as Southwell’s director of diversity, inclusion and wellness.

Southwell also recognized employees of the month for the past year at TRMC and Southwell Medical. LPN Brian Handley, who works as a cardiology nurse at Southwell Medical Clinic in Tifton, was named the TRMC Dixon Dorminy Employee of the Year. Tekela Jones, a receptionist with Southwell Health and Rehabilitation in Adel, was announced as the Southwell Medical Employee of the Year.

Southwell also saluted employees with five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. Marguerite Merritt with TRMC Respiratory Care and Gabriel Reese with TRMC Service Excellence each reached the distinct milestone of 45 years of service.

Kasandra Pridgon with the TRMC Anita Stewart Oncology Center also performed a special musical tribute at the event.

“On behalf of our board of directors and executive team, I want to thank all of you for what you do each and every day,” Dorman told the audience. “Wherever you work, whatever your role, please know that you are making a positive impact.”

Special Photo: Southwell