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Dr. Charles M. Smith awarded UD Medal of Distinction
4:37 p.m., May 27, 2006--Dr. Charles M. Smith was awarded a University of Delaware Medal of Distinction at the College of Health Sciences Convocation, held on May 27 in the Bob Carpenter Center, by Howard E. Cosgrove, chairman of UD's Board of Trustees. Medals of Distinction are presented to individuals whose contributions to our quality of life warrant exceptional recognition. Dr. Smith served as president and chief executive officer of Christiana Care Health System, Delaware's leading health care provider, from 1996 to 2003. Before that, he was senior vice president of medical affairs. Under Dr. Smith's leadership, Christiana Care Health System achieved national recognition and grew to be the third largest employer in the state of Delaware with 9,000 employees and more than $1 billion in annual revenue. Most importantly, it was recognized by several national organizations, including the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, US News and World Report, and the AARP, as being a leader in the provision of quality health care. Dr. Smith is a graduate of Princeton University and received his medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. He also holds a master of public health degree in medical care organization from University of Michigan. Dr. Smith served in the Army where he commanded a medical unit in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star Medal. In making the presentation, Cosgrove said that Dr. Smith's “knowledge, vision and leadership skill at the helm of Christiana Care manifested early in his tenure with the launching of the health system's new Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute, which focuses on community-based-preventive medicine efforts. “In the wake of that achievement, Dr. Smith focused on the reorganization and strengthening of Christiana Care's Cancer Program. In doing so, he helped raise more than $40 million, much of it going toward establishing the Christiana Care Helen F. Graham Cancer Center of the Christiana Hospital campus, where patients can be seen by all the necessary cancer specialists and supporting medical experts in one place. In addition, the center serves as the headquarters for a major clinical research endeavor, as well as the program's prevention, early detection and other statewide outreach activities.” At the time of his retirement from Christiana Care in 2003, Dr. Smith was spearheading an initiative to launch a major construction project to add beds and patient care services at Christiana Hospital, while enhancing clinical and education capabilities as well. The new clinical care and education initiative will add patient beds, operating rooms, allow for the expansion of the cardiovascular program, as well as the establishment of a state-of-the-science education center in partnership with the Delaware Academy of Medicine. The initiative, known as the Campaign for Christiana Care, is well under way and expected to be completed in 2007. In conclusion, Cosgrove said, “Dr. Smith, it was Mother Teresa who said, 'The most important medicine is tender love and care.' For your many contributions to the health and welfare of others and for your dedication to the education of future generations of health care providers--all in the name of love and care--we honor you today and present you with the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction. |
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