A special reception was held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, to honor Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services (GAHHS) Radiologist Gary Kerber, MD, as the recipient of the 2018 Illinois Rural Physician of Excellence Award from the Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA). Commenting on Dr. Kerber’s nomination and award, IRHA Executive Director Margaret Vaughn stated, “What struck me was that he has been able to bring high tech to rural communities. Without Dr. Kerber’s leadership in radiology at Gibson Area Hospital, patients would not receive this level of care.”
Dr. Kerber is known in the organization as a physician who truly places patient care first and foremost. “He has a passion for rural and a passion for his patients. He is a genuine good guy,” said Rob Schmitt, GAHHS CEO. Patients know Dr. Kerber by his “calm and approachable demeanor, top notch skills, and his compassionate nature,” according to a patient testimonial. Over the past nine years, Dr. Kerber has ensured that the hospital has acquired the best imaging equipment available, allowing patients to be cared for in Gibson City instead of making a long drive to another facility.
Dr. Kerber has had an immense impact on GAHHS by pursuing excellence in the care of his patients, evident in the current construction project that will add a hybrid operating room to the facility at the start of 2019. Instrumental in bringing this concept to fruition at GAHHS, Kerber is excited about the new space which is designed to combine state-of-the-art real time imaging capabilities with surgical equipment and provide an optimal environment for all cross-discipline clinical teams working together in the room.
In accepting the award, Dr. Kerber acknowledged the exceptional support and skill of the radiology staff, as well as the vision of hospital administration and board members who make it possible for him to provide the highest standard of radiologic care for patients in rural Illinois.
Photo below:
Front row, left to right:
Rob Schmitt, GAHHS CEO; Gary Kerber, MD; Margaret Vaughn, IRHA Executive Director
Back Row, left to right:
Susan Bence, GAHHS Community Liaison, IRHA Board of Directors; Ken Ryan, IRHA Executive Board & Past-President, Robin Rose, GAHHS COO, IRHA Past-President
