The Heroes in Medicine Awards, held recently at The Ritz Carlton, Palm Beach, honored local individuals and organizations for their innovations, leadership and volunteerism in health care. Produced by the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services and the Palm Beach County Medical Society Alliance, the event also generated $30,000 for Project Access, a Palm Beach County initiative designed to help people who have no health insurance an have limited income.

Those who received awards are as follows:

• Advancements in Health Care, IBM
• Community Outreach, Jean & Charlie Fischer
• Volunteer, Michele Poole
• Bruce Rendina Professional Hero, Sandra Chamblee
• Physician Hero, James T. Howell, MD, MPH
• Healthcare Provider Hero, Mary Russell, RN, PhD
• Students, Jennifer Cantu, Lisa Einkauf, Regen Foley, Rida Laeeq, Marissa Vinas

C.L. Brumback, M.D., was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Brumback’s career in public health started more than 50 years ago in Palm Beach County. In addition, the Professional Hero Award was renamed in honor of Bruce Rendina, who died in December and whose company has supported the event as the Grand Benefactor since its inception.

2007 Heroes in Medicine Awards Co-chairs Jean Acevedo (left) and Claudia Kirk Barto.

Nearly 400 people attended the luncheon. Tenna Wiles, executive director of PBCMS, thanked all the sponsors, which also included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and Danna-Gracey. The Host Committee’s Co-Chairs, Claudia Kirk Barto and Jean Acevedo, were assisted by mistress of ceremonies, Shannon Cake, WPTV Channel 5.