Morrow named Doctor of Year
When local physician Dr. Keith Morrow made the decision to keep his clinics open in the tornado-ravaged towns of Phil Campbell and Hackleburg, he didn’t do it to receive special recognition or a pat on the back – he did it because his desire was to remain loyal to his patients who had been loyal to him for over 25 years.
Even though Morrow never asked for the much-deserved recognition for his dedication to his community, this week he was named the Country Doctor of the Year for 2011, which is a prestigious, national award sponsored by Staff Care that is given to a physician who best exemplifies the spirit, skill and dedication of America’s rural medical practitioners.
“Dr. Morrow deserves this award for many reasons, among them his long-standing and proven commitment to the people of Phil Campbell and Hackleburg, who he serves through both our hospital and his own rural health clinics,” said Russellville Hospital Chief Executive Officer Christine Stewart, who nominated Dr. Morrow for the award.
“Earlier this year, in the days, weeks and months following the E-F5 tornado that devastated northwest Alabama, Dr. Morrow’s dedication to his patients reached new heights, as he battled all odds to ensure healthcare was available when people needed it most.”
Morrow’s clinics in both Phil Campbell and Hackleburg were destroyed on April 27, but even though the buildings and everything inside them were gone, Morrow recognized the needs of the injured and mourning in his midst and took steps to assure local access to healthcare.
Morrow led his team to reopen temporary clinic locations within days of the storm – operating out of tents, tractor trailers and part of a fire station. He even began taking “car calls” to care for those who had difficulties accessing his temporary offices.
“Dr. Morrow could have much more easily relocated his clinics to nearby towns, but instead he insisted on remaining in the heart of the communities he has served for the past 25 years,” added Stewart. “He is an inspiration to us all, and the epitome of the Country Doctor.”
Even though he has been honored as the Country Doctor of the Year for 2011 and was named a North Council “Hospital Hero” by the Alabama Hospital Association in November, Morrow, who has been an active member of the medical staff at Russellville Hospital since 1986 and has served the hospital as chief of staff and vice chief of staff, said the decision to stay in the area was what he thought was best.
“I credit my staff for so much of what we accomplished,” said Morrow. “When you experience something like this – an event that destroyed 31 out of 32 businesses in a single town and claimed dozens of lives – you can’t help but ask yourself, ‘What do I want to do with the rest of my life?’
“Staying here and doing what we’ve done may not have been the easiest thing, but it was the right thing. We belong here and we know that the people need us here.”
Staff Care, which is the largest temporary physician firm in the U.S., has presented the Country Doctor of the Year award since 1992 to exemplary physicians practicing in communities of 30,000 or less.
“Dr. Morrow has been a rock for his patients,” said Tim Boes, president of Staff Care. “Before and after the tornado that demolished Hackleburg, he has been the foundation upon which the community rests.”
Morrow always desired to practice medicine in the community where he grew up and for 25 years, Morrow has seen an average of 50 patients per day and has treated them all regardless of their ability to pay and is on call day and night.
As the 2011 Country Doctor of the Year, Staff Care representatives have said Morrow will be able to enjoy two weeks of time off while Staff Care provides a temporary physician to fill in for him at no charge, which is a service valued at approximately $10,000. He will also receive the award’s signature plaque featuring a country doctor making his rounds on a horse and buggy, an engraved stethoscope, and a monogrammed lab coat.
