HOISINGTON — Debra Brockel, physician assistant at Clara Barton Hospital and Clinic was presented with the 2010 Medical Advisor of the Year Award by the Kansas Emergency Medical Service Association. The presentation was made during the association’s annual conference on Aug. 14.
Brockel has worked for Clara Barton Hospital since September 2006 and has served as a volunteer on Barton County’s Emergency Medical Services Quality Improvement Committee since January of 2008. Debra acts as the Designated Agent of Dr. Josh Durham to provide medical direction to the ambulance services of Barton County including Ellinwood EMS, Clalfin Fire and EMS, Hoisington EMS and Great Bend Fire Dept. Every EMS service in Kansas is required by the State Board of EMS to meet with a Medical Advisor at least quarterly. The Barton County committee exceeds this state standard, and has met monthly for about 18 years.
Doug Hubbard, Claflin EMS Director said, "When our last advisor retired, the search was short at least for me. Claflin EMS transports more than half of our patients to Clara Barton Hospital during the year, and I had worked with Debra and noted that she was straight forward and up to date on treatment procedures. I liked the fact that she was easy to talk to, paramedic to physician."
EMS Directors Doug Hubbard, Claflin, Debbie Glenn, Ellinwood, Mike Napolitano, Great Bend and Joyce Pace, Hoisington collectively nominated Brockel for this award. The EMS directors said in her nomination letter, "Debra is always willing to consider suggestions from the street technicians for ways to improve the care provided to the patients we serve. After consulting with Dr. Durham, she makes her decision based on research and proven practices, not on personal preference. As a physician assistant who provides Emergency Room coverage, she understands and appreciates the challenges of providing care in emergency situations in less than ideal conditions."
Clara Barton Hospital staff is very proud of Debra and is celebrating with her. Banners in the ER express the staff sentiments — "Debra we always knew you were a winner" and "Clara Barton Hospital, home of EMS Medical Advisory of the year." Brockel lends her expertise to her employer Clara Barton Hospital as well as to Quality Committee because she is committed to providing the best care possible to the patients and population.
Brockel shared this about her award, "This is such an honor to receive this award as a PA. Never in my 19 years of practice did I dream that this would happen. This is very special to me and I’m honored that people I work with day in and day out felt I was worthy of such an award."
