Salisbury, N.C., June 26, 2015 – Dr. and Mrs. Chris Agner were honored with the Wilson L. Smith Philanthropic Award during Novant Health Foundation Rowan Medical Center’s Annual Donor Appreciation and Recognition Dinner held June 4 at the First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury.
Dedicated physician, devoted husband, loyal friend, father of five and grandfather to seven, Dr. Agner spoke with pride of his many roles. He credited his successes in large part to his wife, Dianne, who stood beside him when Rick Parker, director of Novant Health Foundation Rowan Medical Center, presented the couple with the award.
“I have loved practicing medicine,” said Dr. Agner in his acceptance remarks. “Getting to know so many wonderful people and using my scientific knowledge to make their lives better has been a great, satisfying way to spend my time.”
Dr. Agner’s 33 outstanding years of physician leadership and patient care at Rowan Medical Center, as well as his six years spent serving as a Foundation board director, earned him the honor of the prestigious Wilson L. Smith Philanthropic Award.
The award is presented to very special individuals every year in recognition of their exceptional philanthropy, sustained service and loyal support of Rowan Medical Center and its Foundation and the mission of advancing the healthcare of Rowan County residents.
“To have a friend like Chris Agner is something very special,” said Dari Caldwell, Rowan Medical Center president. “It’s wonderful for me to have the opportunity to honor a fantastic physician and a person who provides the wisest counsel and loyalty to our medical center.”
Dr. Agner spearheaded efforts to establish a fully accredited automatic lab that reduces time for lab results, as well as a state-of-the-art, second-generation CT scanner. Dr. Agner acknowledged the great work of the donors who made it possible for him to take care of his patients and keep them close to their families and homes.
“The hospital Foundation is the difference between OK and special,” said Agner. He spoke of the quality of the CT scanner and endoscopic equipment, calling it “as good as anyplace in the country.” “Change requires champions,” said Jim Freeman, retired chief executive of the hospital. “Dr. Agner is always pushing for change for the betterment of patients and the community.”
Agner and his wife join a prestigious list of past recipients of the Wilson L. Smith Philanthropic Award dating back to 1995. The hospital Foundation will continue working with Rowan Medical Center to strive to deliver the most remarkable patient experience in every dimension, every time.
Previous recipients of the award:
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Freeman (2014); Mr. and Mrs. Bill Stanback (2013); Mr. Ralph W. Ketner (2012); Mrs. Frances “Billy” H. Johnson (2011); Blanche and Julian Robertson family (2010); Miles Smith Jr. family (2009); Larry and Susan Cloninger (2008); Rowan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary (2007); Legacy Award – Mr. and Mrs. Wilson L. Smith (2006); Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Stanback Jr.(2005); Dr. and Mrs. Dennis L. Hill (2004); Dr. and Mrs. James C. Johnson (2003); Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Fisher (2002); Dr. and Mrs. John H. Bumgarner and Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Cook Jr.(2001); Mr. and Mrs. Gordon P. Hurley and Mrs. and Mrs. James F. Hurley III (2000); Mrs. Elizabeth C. Stanback (1999); Mr. and Mrs. Elias A. Saleeby (1998); Mrs. Evelyn F Harrison, Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hudson and Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Taylor (1997); Dr. and Mrs. Wayne A. Cline Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Arnold H. Snider Jr. (1996); Dr. and Mrs. Glenn A. Kiser, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson L. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Timothy R. Smith (1995).
About Novant Health
Novant Health is a four-state integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient centers and hospitals that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to our communities. The Novant Health network consists of more than 2,500 physicians and 26,000 employees who make healthcare remarkable at nearly 500 locations, including 14 medical centers and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., Novant Health is committed to making healthcare remarkable for patients and communities, serving more than four million patients annually. In 2014, Novant Health provided more than $639 million in community benefit including charity care and services. Novant Health is ranked as one of the nation’s top 20 integrated delivery networks by IMS Health.
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