Perry earns award for diversity in medical field

A former Salem resident will receive the Alumni Legacy Award.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The chairman of the Department of Surgery at Forum Health Northside Medical Center has been named recipient of the Faculty/Staff Leadership and Excellence Award for 2005 by the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.
Dr. Earnest Perry, who is also a NEOUCOM associate professor of surgery, will receive the honor March 25 at the second annual Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner, "Keeping the Dream Alive."
The event is held by NEOUCOM and its Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Ralph Regula Conference Center on NEOUCOM's campus at 4209 St. Rt. 44, Rootstown.
A total of four awards for 2005 will be presented.
The Faculty/Staff Leadership and Excellence Award going to Perry recognizes outstanding individuals for their commitment to improving diversity in the medical profession and recognizes contributions toward enhancing the goals of diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism at NEOUCOM, particularly in the areas of teaching, research and service.
Alumni Legacy Award
Dr. Yvonne Patterson, NEOUCOM Class of 1983 and a former Salem resident, will receive the Alumni Legacy Award which recognizes an outstanding graduate whose professional accomplishments through advocacy, volunteerism and commitment to the practice of medicine have effectively communicated the importance of diversity and inclusion.
The Kent Area Chapter of Links, Inc. will receive the Community-Based Diversity Partner Award presented to outstanding organizations that have a solid commitment toward diversity and demonstrate extraordinary service and support for diversity-related issues to enhance educational opportunities and experiences for NEOUCOM medical students.
The Rising Star Student Achievement Award will be presented to Terri Stoner of Akron, doctoral candidate in the NEOUCOM/Kent State University biomedical sciences program. The award recognizes outstanding underrepresented minority medical or graduate students who demonstrate leadership and commitment toward diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism through academic excellence, service, volunteerism and research.
Dr. Lolita M. McDavid, medical director for Child Advocacy and Protection at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, will be the guest speaker for the ceremony.
Tickets are $100 per person for the black-tie and cultural-attire optional event. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call (330) 325-6671. Net proceeds will benefit diversity scholarship programs. Checks should be made payable to the NEOUCOM Foundation.
Nominations for the 2006 awards are being accepted through Jan. 13 and can be submitted online at www.neoucom.edu.