MONTROSE, CO – Montrose Regional Health and the local medical community recently participated in the 53rd annual Fall Clinics event at the Montrose Pavilion. At the event, awards were presented to three outstanding individuals for their contributions to local healthcare – the Physician of the Year Award, the Advanced Practice Provider Community Award, and the Community Member of the Year Award.
The Physician of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Douglas Borgo, a distinguished Emergency Medicine Specialist in Montrose with over 29 years of experience in his field. The award was presented by Dr. Alexis Garza, the Medical Director of the Montrose Regional Health Emergency Department. “He is thoughtful, takes his time with his patients, and always demonstrates kindness,” Dr. Garza said in her speech dedicated to Dr. Borgo. In addition to the impact he has made on his patients, Dr. Borgo has made a lifetime impact on the growing Emergency Department at Montrose Regional Health. ‘I’ve been here for over two decades, and I’m always happy to take care of people when they are in need,” Dr. Borgo said in response to receiving this award. “The Emergency Department is always happy to see them, and we will always do the right thing for them.”
The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Community Award was presented to Rachel Stranathan, Board Certified Physician Assistant at River Valley Family Health Center. It was presented to her by fellow Physician Assistant at River Valley, Jeannie Mueller. “Rachel has a particular talent for clear and effective communication, which is essential in providing high-quality patient care,” Jeannie said. “She is a highly skilled PA-C, a dedicated professional, and a compassionate caregiver.” Rachel has been instrumental in assisting patients in the community struggling with substance abuse disorders by advocating for the availability of Narcan, a medicine that rapidly reverses narcotic overdose. She has successfully implemented Narcan kiosks in the Montrose and Delta communities. “In community medicine, we don’t just treat patients, we uplift the entire community— one compassionate act at a time,” Rachel said upon receiving this award.
The Community Member of the Year Award was presented to Carlton Mason, Chief Executive Officer of CASA 7th Judicial District. Sarah Judkins, General Surgeon at Montrose Regional Health, presented him with the award. The mission of CASA is to break the cycle of abuse and neglect of children through prevention, advocacy, and intervention. For the last 13 years, Carlton Mason has diligently run the organization, being described by his colleagues as humble, authentic, and selfless. “He shows up for these kids consistently, bringing his heart and his energy day after day, while leaving any judgement behind,” said Sarah Judkins in her speech dedicated to Carlton. “Thank you, Carlton, for being a visionary for our at-risk children and for being a leader for those in a position to help.” His contributions to CASA have led to countless opportunities for at-risk youth, assisting them and protecting them from the dangers of suicide, addiction, and homelessness. “One of our young people was recently asked, ‘What did CASA do that made the difference?’ Her one-word response was forgiveness,” Carlton said. “What she wanted, and what she got, was forgiveness. It is with sincerest gratitude that I accept the Community Service Award presented by Montrose Regional Health and the 2024 Fall Clinics Committee in recognition of my small role in leading a team that offers the hope and opportunity that can be found in forgiveness.”
###
Caption: The Physician of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Douglas Borgo, distinguished Emergency Medicine Specialist in Montrose (first photo). The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Community Award was presented to Rachel Stranathan, Board Certified Physician Assistant at River Valley Family Health Center (second photo). The Community Member of the Year Award was presented to Carlton Mason, Chief Executive Officer of CASA 7th Judicial District (third photo).
About Montrose Regional Health (www.MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health is a 501(c)3 nonprofit healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. The hospital is licensed for 75-beds and offers an extensive range of inpatient & outpatient health care services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory, medical imaging/radiology, Mountain View Therapy, Acute Rehabilitation Unit, advanced respiratory & pulmonary services, and the family birthing center. The health system has a reputation for acquiring the latest technologies in healthcare, from robotic assisted surgical services to UVC-disinfection technology. Montrose Regional Health is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 700 employees and 100 providers who represent 23 medical specialties. With a tagline that reads Caring for you like family, the health system is known for its warm patient care.