Seven new members honore

ALAMOSA— It was standing room only at the SLV Health Education and Conference Center on Friday, May 18 for the induction of seven new members into the SLV Medical Hall of Fame. The class represents pillars of our community who contributed the majority of their careers to improving the delivery of healthcare to the residents of the Valley. Family and friends were able to reminisce and acknowledge these deserving individuals comprised of two nurses, one pharmacist, three medical doctors and an ophthalmologist.
SLV Health hosted the reception and donated the awards to the recipients. Committee members who helped choose and research the candidates include Lois Booth, Julie Geiser, Kelly Gurule, Grant Hurley, Robert Kelly, Barbara Mondragon, Ted Morrison, Jim Robbins, Jackie Scheidegger and Janet Whitmer.
Danny Burns, Rph, served the Valley residents as a beloved registered pharmacist. He helped many people and improved access to medicine over the years in the Valley.  His pharmacies were located in Monte Vista.
Dr. Norman Haug was a committed leader to healthcare in the SLV, using his leadership skills to bring the Rio Grande Hospital to reality, bring rotating medical residents to the SLV, help establish the SLV HMO as well as serving in many other roles that contributed to the well-being of the SLV community and beyond.
Ann Headlee Holmes, RN, worked at the Alamosa Community Hospital in public health and later was the director of nursing at the Colorado State Veteran’s Center in Home Lake. She served on boards and in many other roles that contributed to patient care across the Valley.
Dr. James “J” Ruddell, came to Alamosa in 1960 and later trained in surgery. He was the first surgeon in the SLV to perform “laparoscopic” surgery and contributed in many ways to improving outcomes for the patients of the Valley.
Dr. H. Dale Thomas was a pioneer and beloved doctor for many years in Conejos County. He was instrumental in founding and opening Conejos County Hospital as well as performing surgeries and delivering many babies in the SLV.
Dr. Richard “Paul” Wagner served the San Luis Valley as a skilled ophthalmologist as well as serving on the board for the Alamosa Hospital and Alamosa County Ambulance District.
Karen L. Krueger Wagner, RN, worked as a nurse for the Alamosa hospital for many years, treating patients, students, and co-workers with love and respect.