Samaritan Medical Center is set to host its annual Physician Recognition Dinner on March 18, 2025. The event, sponsored by the Samaritan Medical Center Medical Executive Committee and the Samaritan Foundation, honors both active and retired physicians for their contributions to the community. It coincides with National Doctors’ Day, observed annually on March 30.
The dinner will include the presentation of the eleventh Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes a physician for leadership and long-term service to Northern New York’s health and well-being. Contributions can be through private practice, hospital duties, board roles, or volunteer efforts.
This year’s recipient is Dr. Jack D. Rush, a family medicine physician known for his 41 years of service at Samaritan Medical Center and in the St. Lawrence River area. Raised in Oakford, Indiana, Dr. Rush graduated from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine in 1980 via an NHSC Scholarship. He completed his residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics before providing primary care in Clayton, NY.
Dr. Rush joined Samaritan Medical Center’s staff in 1983 and has held various leadership positions including Chairman of the Department of Medicine and President of the Medical Staff. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the North Country Initiative Board.
Thomas H. Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center said, “This event provides a special opportunity to recognize our physicians and celebrate the critical role they play in caring for our patients and our community.” He added that Dr. Rush’s career “has touched the lives of countless individuals.”
The dinner will take place at 5:30 p.m., March 18 at Samaritan Summit Village in Watertown. It is open to the public with tickets priced at $60 each.
Since its establishment in 2013, previous recipients of this award include Drs. Karl Komar (2024), Maja Lundborg-Gray (2023), Jan Turcotte (2022), among others.
For more information or to RSVP, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/physiciandinner or call 315-785-4584.
