Greenville doctor honored by state officials
Longtime Bond County physician Dr. Boyd McCracken was honored by state officials on Oct. 22 and presented with the 2020 Physician of Excellence of Award on behalf of the Illinois Rural Health Association for his 43 years of dedicated service to his community.
McCracken will also be honored by the Illinois General Assembly when they return to session and pass House Resolution 922, which was introduced in Springfield by Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Effingham, and presented to McCracken along with a Senate congratulatory certificate from Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville.
“We are proud of Dr. McCracken’s long legacy of care for the Greenville community,” said Melinda Clark, chief executive officer of HSHS Medical Group. “He has a true heart for his patients and it has been an honor to serve with him.”
“Dr. McCracken is truly deserving of this honor recognizing his decades of dedicated service,” said Kelly Sager, president and CEO of HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville. “Our community has been blessed to have such an excellent care provider who compassionately cares for all of his patients.”
In a tradition started more than 20 years ago by the National Rural Health Association, the Illinois Rural Health Association has been honoring physicians who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to rural areas.
“One of the biggest healthcare challenges across our nation is the shortage of physicians who practice in rural settings. IRHA feels it is important to recognize those who have accepted this calling and gone out of their way to devote their entire careers to rural patients. We feel Dr. McCracken exemplifies our mission and are happy we can honor him,” explained IL Rural Health Association Executive Director Margaret Vaughn.
PHOTO: Dr. McCracken; his wife, Janet (left); and Melinda Clark (right) at the award ceremony on Oct. 22.
ABOUT IRHA
Founded in 1989, the Illinois Rural Health Association is a collaborative association of over 600 members comprised of academic institutions, EMS providers, elected officials, health care practitioners, hospitals, public health departments, rural health clinics, and others who are committed to strengthening health systems for rural residents and communities through advocacy, education, networking and leadership. IRHA is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization.
