Calhoun Liberty Hospital recently brought together members of its medical staff, hospital leadership and Board of Directors for its annual Provider Dinner, thanking physicians for their service and celebrating four providers with special honors.
Board members Marilyn Russell, Ken Speights, Dr. I. Faruqui, Dr. Murray Baker, Dr. Kristin Baker Nava, board members Jay Kearce, Stan Horst, Tony Layne, Labon Bontrager, Mark Plummer, Melba Faurot and CEO Emily Brown
The recognitions reflected qualities important to the hospital and its patients, including patient experience, quality, trust and longstanding service. Nominations from patients and colleagues offered personal examples of the difference these physicians have made.
The Best Patient Experience Award was presented to Kevin Hornsby, MD, whose nominations consistently reflected kindness, attentiveness and an ability to make patients feel heard and at ease. He was described as “soft spoken and very attentive with listening to the patient,” with others noting the time and attention he gives patients and staff.
For Timothy Adamcryk, MD, recipient of the Quality Award, nominators pointed to his thorough approach to medicine, commitment to improvement and willingness to share his knowledge with patients and colleagues. His calm, focused approach in challenging situations also stood out. One former patient, recalling Dr. Adamcryk’s identification of a critical condition, wrote, “I believe Dr. Adamcryk saved my life.”
More than three decades of service are behind the Trust Award presented to Misbah Farooqui, MD. Dr. Farooqui came to the area in 1992 and has served for many years as medical director of Calhoun Liberty Hospital. His nominations reflected the relationships he has built and the confidence patients and colleagues place in him. One colleague shared that Dr. Farooqui is the physician they would want caring for their own family member.
The evening also honored Murray Baker, MD, with the Legacy Award upon his retirement. Dr. Baker and his family moved to the area in 1987, beginning nearly four decades of service. He served as medical director of the hospital’s Emergency Department and has been a familiar presence to generations of patients and families, often during some of their most difficult moments.
Colleagues described Dr. Baker as knowledgeable, compassionate and steady, with several sharing memories of his care that remained with them years later.
“Dr. Baker’s retirement truly marks the end of an era for our hospital and community,” one colleague wrote. “Physicians like Dr. Baker become part of the fabric of a small hospital and community, and that kind of impact cannot simply be replaced.”
CEO Emily Brown said the recognitions also provide an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the hospital’s entire medical staff.
“We are fortunate to have physicians who choose to serve Calhoun Liberty Hospital and the people who depend on us,” Brown said. “These recognitions highlight individual examples of qualities we see across our medical staff every day. We are grateful for every physician who brings their knowledge, experience and commitment to our hospital.”
Board Chair Mark Plummer reflected on the importance of physicians to the hospital and the community it serves.
“A strong rural hospital depends on physicians who invest their time and talents here,” Plummer said. “We appreciate every physician who serves at Calhoun Liberty Hospital, and we are especially grateful to Dr. Baker as he retires after nearly four decades of service. His contributions to this hospital and the families he has cared for will be remembered.”
The annual Provider Dinner gives Calhoun Liberty Hospital an opportunity to bring its physicians together and thank them for their continued service.
