Twin Cities Business Magazine names Woodwinds physician a 2008 Health Care Hero

Twin Cities Business Magazine names Woodwinds physician a 2008 Health Care HeroWoodbury, MN - May 30, 2008 - David Hale, MD, PhD, Chief of Staff and ER Medical Director at Woodwinds Health Campus, has been named a 2008 Health Care Hero by the Twin Cities Business Magazine. "This is such an honor and I am so very humbled and thankful, but I want to make sure that everyone knows that there are so many people who have helped me and I want all of them to share in this award," said David Hale, MD, PhD.

His work has earned him the admiration of those at Woodwinds, the U.S. Army, the Minnesota Army National Guard and ordinary Iraqi citizens. "Dr. Hale is committed to excellence in his work with patients here at Woodwinds, in his work in the community, and in serving the country," said John Kvasnicka, MD, HealthEast Emergency Care Medical Director. "He is always positive and has incredible energy. The world is a better place because of Dr. Hale."

As an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Hale exceeds patients' expectations through caring and compassionate service and providing leadership in hospital patient services, which is one of the reasons Woodwinds has some of the highest patient satisfaction scores in Minnesota and in the country.

As a Major in the Minnesota Army National Guard, he's completed two tour of duties in Iraq, earning a Bronze Medal Star in March 2007, an Army Commendation Medal in March 2005, an Army Achievement Medal in August 2003; a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and many other awards for his outstanding military service work.

During his first tour of duty in Iraq, Dr. Hale also started an international humanitarian effort to teach basic medical care to Iraqis, an exemplary program that still continues in Iraq today. During his second tour of duty, he expanded his international humanitarian efforts by spearheading an effort to provide 400 first aid kits and midwife kits for Iraqi women and children. He says he saw first hand how these first aid kits were used successfully to treat cuts, scorpion bites and gun shot wounds. Dr. Hale said the villagers were SO thankful. He also saw that some of the donated midwife kits were used to help women. He says this humanitarian effort helps to promote peace in Iraq and build important relationships with the Iraqis.

Now he's committed to helping our returning veterans. He says many of them suffer from traumatic brain injuries, but are not getting the help they need. He's actively involved with HealthEast hospital leaders, national guard leaders, and Minnesota's U.S. Congressional leaders to develop a plan so HealthEast doctors and hospitals, especially Bethesda Hospital, a long-term acute care rehabilitation hospital, can provide TBI screenings and services for our returning veterans.

Dr. Hale will receive the Twin Cities Business Health Care Hero Award at a special "Salute to Heroes Among Us" event emceed by KARE-11 anchor, Diana Pierce on Thursday, June 12 in Minneapolis.

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