Local Surgeon Receives 2006 Humanitarian Award
Albert J. LaTorra, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., was presented with the 2006 Humanitarian Award at the 79th Annual Meeting of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The award was given "in recognition of his unselfish participation in humanitarian activities." 
In particular, Dr. LaTorra, who is a semi-retired general surgeon at Columbia Hospital, along with Dr. Wilhelm Larsen, a Haitian native and retired oncologist, established a foundation to raise funds and collect donated equipment to refurbish a hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In October 2005 four containers with over $3.5 million worth of medical equipment, electric beds, and X-ray machines donated by Columbia Hospital were shipped to Haiti. Because of these volunteer efforts hundreds of families in Haiti are now able to have access to medical care.
Albert J. LaTorra, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., (right) presented with the 2006 Humanitarian Award by James E. Hoogeboom, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., President of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.