The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Delorme named Rural Health Practitioner of the Year
HAMILTON, N.Y. >> Community Memorial Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Robert Delorme is the recipient of the Dr. Gary Ogden Rural Health Practitioner of the Year Award.
Delorme accepted the award at a luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 27 during the Rural Health Conference hosted by the New York State Association of Rural Health (NYSARH) at the Hope Lake Lodge at Greek Peak, Cortland.
“Dr. Delorme exemplifies the rural family physician in that he understands the multiple cascading challenges patients and providers face in receiving and delivering rural primary care,” said New York State Association of Rural Health officials. “Whether a medical or social issue Dr. Delorme takes a personal approach to medicine. He makes himself available at all times of the day or night to meet the needs of his patients and patients at Community Memorial Hospital. Thanks to his philosophy and hard work, Community Memorial Hospital has opened five Family Health Centers in rural communities and achieved PCMH NCQA Level 3 designation for all of them.”
“I always wondered how people get these types of awards. It’s amazing to be recognized,” said Delorme. “There are so many good rural physicians out there and I accepted this award Thursday on their behalf as well. Primary care physicians in rural settings have a role that many of their urban peers may not encounter. We get to know our patients very well and serve as gatekeepers for their care. Our greatest disappointment is when we are unable to help patients. Additionally, we work very closely with our specialist counterparts as educators and consultants. This is critical aspect of our work, since geographically distance can be the barrier to seeking care. Rural healthcare providers are more self-reliant in taking care of their patients and having excellent outcomes.”
Delorme has more than 40 years’ experience and is board certified with the American Board of Family Practice, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He completed medical school at McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Canada and his residency at McMaster University Faculty of Health Medicine, Hamilton, Canada. Delorme specializes in family medicine and geriatrics. His office is located at the Family Health Center in Hamilton.
“We are honored to have Dr. Delorme on staff at Community Memorial. His knowledge and passion for serving our rural community is the cornerstone for the exceptional care provided by our primary care team. We celebrate this award with Dr. Delorme it is well deserved,” said Sean Fadale, president and CEO at Community Memorial Hospital.