Martha Romero, a registered nurse at White Memorial Medical Center, stands with Dr. Brian Johnston, the head of the medical center’s Emergency Room, at the Hospital Association of Southern California’s Hospital Hero Awards luncheon at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel last month. Both were honored for outstanding direct patient care above and beyond the call of duty.
Story Created:
Dec 17, 2009 at 12:15 PM PST
Story Updated:
Dec 17, 2009 at 12:15 PM PST
BOYLE HEIGHTS — Dr. Brian Johnston and nurse Martha Romero have been honored for outstanding direct patient care above and beyond the call of duty at the Hospital Association of Southern California Hospital Hero Awards luncheon at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
Johnston, medical director of White Memorial Medical Center’s Emergency Department, received the highest honor as this year’s recipient of the Hospital Champion Award. The award honors dedication and perseverance in advocating for improvements, protections, reform and the stability of the health care delivery network.
Romero, a registered nurse, at White Memorial, was honored as the Hospital Hero from L.A. County’s central region for outstanding contributions directly impacting patient care.
Johnston didn’t grow up wanting to be a doctor. But after he spent two years teaching in the Philippines, witnessing disease and inadequate medical care, he decided to go to medical school. He joined the White Memorial staff in 1975.
Romero grew up in housing projects near White Memorial. By the time she graduated from high school she had lost more than 20 friends and family members to gang-related shootings. The father of her then 2-year-old son was killed in a drive-by shooting while he was home on leave from the Marines.
Romero attended classes at Rio Hondo College in the nursing program and received a scholarship through a partnership between white Memorial, Rio Hondo College and TELACU, which paid for school and supplies. She graduated in 2007 and is now giving back to the community as a Spanish-speaking nurse who provides a role model for others.
“I am extremely proud of what Dr. Johnston and Martha are doing to help our patients and our community,” said Beth Zachary, president and CEO of White Memorial. “They are just two examples of excellence that we see all throughout our hospital. I want to congratulate them personally on this well-deserved and extraordinary achievement.”
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