Published: Oct. 3, 2013
Stephen Guertin, M.D., the Medical Director of the Sparrow Children's Center, will receive a prestigious national award next week to honor his many years of service to local families and the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Dr. Guertin will receive the Children's Miracle Achievement Award in Orlando, Fla., the first time the honor has been given to a Physician who doesn't work in a specialized children's hospital.
The Children's Miracle Achievement Award recognizes a Caregiver, team, or unit which has significantly elevated the care of children and has specifically been impacted by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' funds.
Dr. Guertin is a hero to many families and has performed countless medical miracles at Sparrow over the past 30 years.
"It's a team effort," Dr. Guertin said. "It was amazing to me to even win this award. For me, it's an affirmation of what we do here. The award, in my opinion, is an award for this whole hospital. I don't think any one individual does these things by themselves and I certainly don't think I do. This is an award for the people here who slug it out at the bedside every day."
Dr. Guertin said the generosity of the mid-Michigan community helped to get the attention of CMN Hospitals, a charity that raises funds and awareness for 170 hospitals across North America.
"There's a level of awareness in our community that surprised them," he said. "There's a level of giving in our community that makes us one of the most successful CMN Hospitals and we've done that for many years."
Dozens of mid-Michigan families submitted letters on behalf of Dr. Guertin for his work with their children, the community, and Sparrow.
"What Dr. Guertin has done for Sparrow and for families throughout mid-Michigan is nothing short of miraculous," said Mark Brett, Sparrow Senior Vice President of Affiliate Operations. "For decades, he has been the driving force behind the Sparrow Children's Center. He is a compassionate, dedicated leader who has assembled a team of pediatric Caregivers who provide quality, compassionate care to children in their most vulnerable time of need."
Sparrow Executive Vice President and COO Joe Ruth will assist in the award presentation and introduce Dr. Guertin at the ceremony in Orlando.