All hail to health care heroes

Sometimes, I think we all need to be reminded that there are still genuine heroes among us; that despite what we may read or hear in the media or on our favorite social channels, there are still good people doing good things for others.

I was recently reminded of that reality, and I want to share the experience with you. As a newer resident of Utah, this year was my first opportunity to learn about the Healthcare Heroes recognition program. It provides an opportunity to identify and thank people in all areas of health care for what they do to lift and improve the lives of others.

The program has a category that draws attention to those physicians who have devoted their entire lifetimes to the healing arts. Another category acknowledges the selfless volunteers who make hospitals and health care causes succeed. All told, the program considers nine different categories of service where our neighbors here go the extra mile in caring for all the rest of us.

I’m proud to point out that our executive medical director here at Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Dr. Mark Hiatt, was among those recognized this year. I’ve got to say, I’m endlessly impressed with all he contributes to the company – and with such grace. Dr. Hiatt’s medical management responsibilities for Regence are expansive and demanding, yet he finds time to run in fundraising races, serve on gubernatorially appointed panels and help educate the public on health care topics on his weekly Medical Moment programs on leading Utah and Idaho radio stations.

As both a health care executive and a health care consumer, I’d like to thank Dr. Hiatt and the other 22 recipients of 2017 Healthcare Heroes citations for their exceptional service. I appreciate them and the organizers of the overall effort for reminding me and everyone else that if we pause and look around us, we’ll see heroes at every turn.

Read "Mark Hiatt: Healthcare Hero" on Utah Business to learn more.