Parker

Ron Parker, pharmacy director at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett, was named new pharmacy director of the year for Health Management Associates, Inc (HMA). He recently received the award at the Annual Pharmacy Directors meeing held in Atlanta, Ga.

Parker was chosen from among other new pharmacy directors, including any new hospitals that have been recently acquired by HMA. Overall, HMA operates 57 hospitals in 16 states.

"The award is based on many criteria that involves several different departments," Parker said. "So really this award is the result of the hard work that everyone does at the hospital on a daily basis." In addition, Parker says area physicians are willing to cosider cost effective treatment options, which has added to the pharmacy's success by keeping drug costs down while continuing to offer quality care to patients.

Parker has been the pharmacy director for Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center since 1989. He began his employment at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in 1977 as an orderly. Parker has since worked as a pharmacy technician, then a pharmacist, and later was promoted to pharmacy director.

Co-workers know him as being knowledgeable and compassionate, and taking every precaution to ensure patient and staff safety. Joyce Danels, director of surgery, says he has always been a patient advocate. He reminds everyone to "think of the patient as your dearest loved one and you will always do your very best for them."

Danels, who has worked with Parker for the past 28 years, said,"I consider him a friend, and I appreciate how he has always worked with me to streamline my department and make it more effcient."

TRRMC Chief Executive Officer John McClellan said," Ron is an intregal part of our hospital family. The success of the pharmacy is a reflection of his commitment to his job and to our patients at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center."

Parker and his wife, Kerry, reside in Kennett, Mo. They are the parents of two sons, Matthew and Adam.