Two ISU-Meridian professors, a researcher and a student are 2009 Health Care Hero honorees

Idaho State University-Meridian professors Linda Boyd, Ed.D., Galen Louis, Ph.D., and senior research associate Russell Spearman, M.Ed., are honorees in the 2009 Health Care Heroes program sponsored by the Idaho Business Review newspaper.

Now in its fourth year, the program recognizes health care professionals, educators and volunteers for their contributions and service to Idaho, according to the IBR.

The newspaper also awarded ISU-Meridian fast-track nursing student, Laura J. Bainbridge, the $1,000 Health Care Heroes student scholarship.

Boyd, the director of ISU’s graduate dental hygiene program, and Louis, who heads the Master of Public Health program, are finalists in the educator category. Spearman, a researcher in the Institute of Rural Health, is a finalist in the rehabilitation category.

The ISU finalists are among 30 honorees in 10 categories. The honorees–which represent Idaho’s hospitals, medical clinics, universities and health care organizations–will be profiled in the IBR’s annual Health Care Heroes magazine on Oct. 5, and honored at an awards dinner Oct.1 at the Boise Centre, 850 W. Front Street.  A “Top Honor” in each category will be announced at the awards event.

Idaho State University and PacificSource Health Plans are co-sponsors of Health Care Heroes. Candidates are nominated by their peers and judged by an independent panel.

Other program affiliates include the Idaho Hospital Association, Idaho Medical Association, Idaho Health Care Association, Idaho Alliance of Leaders in Nursing, and the Medical Group Management Association, according to the IBR.

For a complete list of honorees and categories, visit the IBR's Health Care Hero website.