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Premier Health Care Services Physician Paul Culler, MD, wins CERP Award

Paul Culler, MD Image
October 30, 2008– Premier Physician Paul Culler MD, (Marion General Hospital) wins CERP Award.

Even when faced with the toughest decisions, kindess and compassion shine through.

On August 15, 2008, a 79-year-old gentleman suffering from rectal cancer was brought to the Emergency Department via ambulance with complaints of rectal bleeding. Dr. Paul Culler was the physician caring for the patient. Upon further examination, it was found that this patient had profound bleeding and immediate life-saving measures were started in order to stabilize the man. Central lines were placed, and blood was rapidly infused. Dr. Culler was at the bedside monitoring the patient’s condition constantly.

Dr. Culler was able to secure a surgeon and was ready to whisk the patient off to the operating room to stop the bleeding. At this point, the patient calmly requested that all life saving measures be discontinued. The patient requested that no more blood be infused, no surgery performed, and that he be allowed to pass with dignity and with his family at the bedside. Dr. Culler followed the patient’s wishes and made sure he was without pain and that his family was at the bedside. Dr. Culler continued to monitor the patient until he passed, offering reassurance to the family that their loved one was not suffering.

The transition from life saving to end-of-life care is a difficult one to make, and having to do it in a matter of minutes is even more difficult. Dr. Culler demonstrated great compassion and caring for the wishes of his patient and the patient’s family. His kindness and caring brought some peace to the family in their time of need.

Even though this is a specific case, Dr. Culler continually provides quality care to all of his patients. He has an upbeat attitude and a determination to connect with his patients on a personal level. Additionally, Dr. Culler’s clinical skills are superior. He is well respected by the hospital and nursing staff he works with, as well as by the patients he cares for. Dr. Culler is truly worthy of the Premier Clinical Excellence Recognition Program Award and is a true asset to Premier and Marion General Hospital.

CERP – the Clinical Excellence Recognition Program – highlights Premier Health Care Services health care professionals (Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners) who have been recognized as having provided excellent clinical care in a specific Emergency Department encounter. Award winners are recognized in the Premier Perspective Newsletter, and a letter acknowledging the award is sent to the CEO, Chief of the Medical Staff, ED Medical Director, and ED Nurse Manager of the facility in which the award winner works the most ED shifts. Nominations for this award may be submitted by anyone, and the forms can be found on the Premier Intranet and submitted to your Premier ED Medical Director. Nominations are taken year-round, and winners are selected by a committee composed of the Chief Development Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and the Chair of the Clinical Services Committee. As a reward, each CERP winner receives a $100 gas card, and an annual winner will be chosen from the winners for a grand prize of $1000.00 travel voucher. In addition, the picture of the practitioner will be posted on a Premier Health Care Services Clinical Excellence Wall of Fame in the Premier corporate offices.

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