MCSA’s conference center named after hospital’s surgeon

The Medical Center of South Arkansas’ new conference center was dedicated and named after one of the hospital’s surgeons Thursday, Dr. Robert Tommey.

MCSA’s CEO Scott Street announced the name of the conference center at the ceremony, the “Robert C. Tommey Conference Center,” named in recognition and appreciation of Tommey.

A plaque was presented to Tommey by the Medical Center of South Arkansas Auxiliary. The plaque states, “For his distinguished leadership, unwavering standard of excellence as a physician and his dedicated service to this community.”

According to MCSA’s website, Tommey has practiced medicine in El Dorado since completing his general surgery residency at the University of Oklahoma’s Tulsa Medical College in 1982.

“Today we honor, what I consider, an individual who has been a pillar of this organization for a long time,” Street said. “I can personally say what an honor and a privilege it has been for me for the last 10 months to work with such a surgeon like (Tommey), but more importantly, a man and a leader in this community, and I want to say thank you.” The honor came as a surprise for Tommey.

He said he was “flabbergasted” that the conference center was being named after him. After enduring health issues for the past few months, Tommey said he was unsure that he would return to work, but added that he was glad to be back.

“I’ve worked here 36 years and I’ve enjoyed all of it,” Tommey said. “I missed the hospital when I was sick the last few months and when I came back, I really found out how much I do appreciate working with everybody.”

Work on the conference center began in late March. The conference center will be used primarily for education,

Street said.

“The larger meeting space gives us the opportunity to host outside events on our campus,” Street said.

He said the conference center would also be used for education with the anticipation of bringing back the Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

“I’m proud to have worked with (Tommey) in the past, currently and in the future,” Street said. “He’s a great surgeon, but he’s just a great person too.”

Kaitlyn Rigdon,News-TImes Vision to reality: Above, left, Rob Robinson, chairman of MCSA’s board, shakes Dr. Robert Tommey’s hand after MCSA’s CEO Scott Street, far right, announced the new conference center was being named after Tommey. A ceremony was held Thursday in the conference center, where it was announced as the “Robert C. Tommey Conference Center.” Below, MCSA General surgeon Dr. Robert Tommey stands next to a plaque naming the hospital’s new conference center