Each year since 1921, National Hospital Week has been celebrated during the second week of May. This recognition began when a Chicago magazine editor proposed staging a public healthcare appreciation event in order to inspire trust in hospitals, alleviate public fears about the "shrouded" medical institutions of the day, and change the perception of hospitals from places of illness to places of healing. The theme for National Hospital Week 2008 is "Where Healing Happens Every Day." This theme honors the men and women who have helped to make our hospital what it is today. From that beginning, National Hospital Week has grown into a national celebration of healthcare.

This year, during National Hospital Week, May 11-17, Geisinger Medical Center honors its employees for their professionalism, dedication and compassion -- qualities that keep our system of care and caring at the forefront of medicine. Without support of the thousands of employees who strive for excellence every day, Geisinger Medical Center would not be able to provide the community with the high-quality healthcare residents of central Pennsylvania have come to expect. Nor would it be able to continue in the proud tradition of Abigail Geisinger with construction of the Hospital for Advanced Medicine, slated to open in the spring of 2010. This new facility will ensure that state-of-the-art quality care will continue to grow and serve the communities that rely on our services.

From doctors and nurses to our facilities and maintenance crews, everyone working at Geisinger Medical Center plays a vital role in supporting one common goal -- providing top-quality medical care to our patients.

Working in healthcare is more than just a job -- it is a calling to help people when they need it most. Geisinger Medical Center employees exemplify this calling, taking great pride in the care provided to our patients and their loved ones. On the occasion of National Hospital Week, we thank our employees for their tireless service and their commitment to "making it the best" for every patient, every day.

Albert Bothe,

Susan Hallick,

E. Lynn Miller,

Danville

n Albert Bothe, MD, is chief medical officer, Susan Hallick is chief nursing officer, and E. Lynn Miller is chief administrative officer, all of Geisinger Medical Center.