Atrium doctors honored for efforts after woman nearly dies during childbirth

Several doctors at Atrium Medical Center will be honored today for their efforts that saved the life of a mother during childbirth.

One of the Middletown hospital’s nurses also will be honored for her 30-plus years of caring for cancer patients.

Dr. Charles Hageman and Dr. John Miller will receive Caring Like Karen awards, which honor local caregivers who go above and beyond the call of duty in caring for individuals and families within the community.

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Hageman and Miller were nominated, along with the supporting care team of Dr. Gary Brown, Dr. Alvaro Waissbluth, Dr. Craig Henry, Dr. Scot Denmark and Dr. Casey Boyce, for “the extraordinary medical care and compassionate, personal care that ultimately saved a young mother who nearly died from heart failure while delivering her second child at Atrium Medical Center,” according to officials with Premier Health, the Middletown hospital’s health system.

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“We are beyond proud of team leaders Dr. Hageman and Dr. Miller, and the supporting team of Drs. Brown, Waissbluth, Henry, Denmark and Boyce for the dedicated and compassionate care they provided to this young mother, her son and their entire family,” said Atrium Medical Center President Mike Uhl. “Their wholehearted commitment to those in their care is a fine tribute to the ultimate caregiver, Karen Mason, whom this award honors.”

The Caring Like Karen hospital or hospice caregiver award is given to an outstanding nurse, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, PSA, nurse’s aide, volunteer, or chaplain.

Atrium Medical Center nurse Phyllis Rudokas was nominated for her more than 30 years of work as an oncology nurse navigator at Middletown Regional Hospital and Atrium Medical Center, serving more than 4,000 patients facing cancer diagnoses, treatment and survivorship.

Rudokas has been a trusted guide for countless patients on their cancer journey, and her mission is to remove all obstacles a patient might face so that hope is preserved and enhanced for each one, according to the hospital.

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“Phyllis’ compassion, dedication, and selfless giving make her an invaluable companion for patients diagnosed with cancer,” said Marquita Turner, Atrium Medical Center’s chief operating officer and chief nursing officer. “She has touched thousands of individuals over the years, all of whom have benefited from her care, knowledge and kindness.”

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In addition to a plaque, each recipient will receive a gift chosen by the nominator, valued at up to $1,000. The gifts remain a secret until they are presented at the luncheon.

The Caring Like Karen Fund was established by the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty in memory of caregiver, Karen Mason, who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2012. In Mason’s honor, the fund presents an annual award to caregivers who emulate her love and patience for those in their care.

Six Caring Like Karen award recipients are selected from nominations submitted by people in the Greater Cincinnati area. A committee of health care professionals with expertise in caregiving reviews all nominations and makes the final decisions.

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