Debbie Griffith has known Dr. Ray Georgen for decades – in community circles and as a ThedaCare provider.
“He is professional and personal at the same time. He is also caring, no matter who you are,” said Griffith. “I value his expertise, trust his judgement and am grateful for the care our family has received from him over the years.”
Dr. Ray Georgen is a bariatric and trauma surgeon with ThedaCare. He is also widely recognized across northeast and central Wisconsin for delivering some of the area’s most innovative patient care through robotic-assisted surgery. As a care provider and clinical professor, Dr. Georgen helps guide the next generation of surgeons as they learn the latest methods and find new possibilities in providing life-changing patient care.
“I’m impressed with the innovation brought to the community in robotic technology from ThedaCare and Dr. Georgen,” said Griffith. “I’m excited to see how he continues to educate others, and provide additional resources for our community.”
Griffith noted that because of her special connection with Dr. Georgen and other providers, she continues to support ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah through the ThedaCare Family of Foundations.
“The hospital is an asset to the community that cannot be replaced,” she said. “I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the community, and I want the hospital to succeed and be the best it can be.”
She added that she is happy to be able to offer support where she can.
“I have been a patient at ThedaCare for more than 50 years,” she said. “I have always been treated with respect, courtesy and professionalism. Even though the hospital feels large at times, I’ve always felt that they care for me as an individual.”
Inspired to Give in Honor of Doctors Day
Griffith’s story is one that is similar to other generous donors who support the ThedaCare Family of Foundations. Many are inspired to support the Foundation because they are grateful for the care they have received.
The ThedaCare Family of Foundations serves to inspire giving and provide funding for initiatives to help create an exceptional health care experience. Donations from generous contributors help purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment and support new programs and initiatives that improve community health.
As a not-for-profit organization, the Foundation relies on community donations to help sustain the level of care patients expect and deserve.
A donation to the Foundation makes a tangible difference to the community’s health and helps expand programs, participate in innovative research and invest in the latest treatment technology, along with other beneficial impacts on the local area.
“We are grateful many of our generous donors recognize Doctors Day by making a gift to the Foundation,” said Barbara Beuscher, CFRE, ThedaCare Chief Philanthropy Officer and Senior Vice President. “We hear wonderful stories about the care they receive, and how they want to support caregivers so they can continue providing care in our communities.”
National Doctors Day is celebrated on March 30 each year, recognizing the exceptional commitment and care provided by physicians. The day of observance for National Doctors Day was picked to commemorate the first use of anesthesia during surgery in 1842 by physician Dr. Crawford Long, a well-known doctor from Jefferson, Georgia.
The day offers a moment to pause and appreciate the role that doctors fulfill in maintaining and enhancing the health of our nation. According to NationalDoctorsDay.org, in the United States, doctors provide care to more than one billion patients each year, with an average of 3.2 doctor visits per person — 50% of those visits are made to a primary care physician.
“We invite our team members, patients and community members to express their gratitude to our physicians on National Doctors Day,” said Beuscher. “Today, and every day, we are inspired by their dedication and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities”.
To learn more about the ThedaCare Family of Foundations and the impact of donor support, please visit ThedaCare.org/Foundations.
Heart of a Donor Series
This article is part of a planned series featuring generous donors who support the ThedaCare Family of Foundations. Donations to the ThedaCare Family of Foundations help fund projects and programs on many levels across the system. If you know a donor, or community organization, who has a connection to the ThedaCare Family of Foundations, and believe should be featured in the “Heart of a Donor” series, please email Foundations@thedacare.org.
