Dr. T. M. “Mac” Martin was honored with the 2016 Spirit of Giving Award at Tanner Medical Foundation’s eighth annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 2.
Nearly 100 friends and supporters attended the event held at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, which featured remarks from Tanner Health System leaders, members of the medical staff and the presentation of the prestigious award.
Tanner Health System President and CEO Loy Howard thanked attendees for their generous support of Tanner Health System. “I wish you could see it in the eyes of the people you help,” he said. “Our work is centered on making sure that everyone in our community has access to care. With a focus on patient satisfaction and high quality care, we’re making our community a better place to live.”
Christopher Powell, MD, a urologist with West Georgia Urology, spoke about the state-of-the-art, minimally invasive robotic surgery offered at Tanner and the leading-edge technology that enables Tanner surgeons to perform a range of advanced surgeries through a few small incisions.
To illustrate Dr. Powell’s remarks, attendees were invited to experience how minimally-invasive robotic tools are revolutionizing surgery with a hands-on da Vinci ® robotic-assisted surgery exhibit with 3D HD vision and specialized instruments that surgeons use.
Steve Adams, chair of the Tanner Medical Foundation Board of Directors, presented the 2016 Spirit of Giving Award to Dr. Martin. “I’m humbled to introduce a dear friend,” said Adams as he presented the award. “Dr. Martin is a true champion of our community who embodies all that this award represents.”
Surrounded by his son, Scott Martin, daughter and son-in-law, Anne Martin and Bob White, and friends, Dr. Mel and Mrs. Nancy Steely and Margaret Miller, Dr. Martin received a standing ovation for his many contributions to the community and leadership at Tanner.
In an acceptance speech recorded earlier (see the above video) with the help of Dr. Steely, Dr. Martin expressed his gratitude for the honor.
“Thank you so very much for this honor, your kindness is humbling.” he said. “The spirit of giving is an action, a heart gift. I have been blessed to be a recipient of heart gifts many times.”
Dr. Martin recounted when Tom Fitzgerald, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine specialist with Carrollton Emergency Physicians, personally drove Dr. Martin and his family to Atlanta to see a neurosurgeon to whom Dr. Martin’s fatally injured wife, Carol, had been referred. He also recalled celebrating his 90th birthday at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton, surrounded by his many friends and colleagues, including Adams and Howard.
“I have watched as Tanner Hospital has experienced tremendous growth; however, they maintained a high standard of service and commitment to their patients, and employees,” he said. “Multiple acts of kindnesses can be seen on a daily basis here in this hospital.”
“I humbly accept your generous recognition for the Spirit of Giving Award on behalf of each one who routinely contributes a caring heart and demonstrates better than I, a wonderful spirit that gives and gives,” Dr. Martin said.
Dr. Martin practiced medicine, in general practice and as a surgeon, for 38 years. He retired on Dec. 31, 1988, after serving on Tanner’s staff for 27 years. During his tenure, Dr. Martin was instrumental in establishing a medical staff training program, an education department and the intensive care unit at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton.
The Spirit of Giving award honors an individual from the community who, through their generous support of Tanner Health System, has made a difference in the lives and health of others. Previous recipients include Katherine R. Walker, Nancy L. Barnes, Lisa Herman, Steve Adams, Jimmy Bryan, Martha Greer and Babbie Mason.
“My team and I are fortunate to see the positive impact you make on families every day,” said Beau Bowman, vice president and executive director of Tanner Medical Foundation, as the luncheon closed. “This is why I chose to work in philanthropy, and why I’m so grateful to serve this community. I speak for everyone who has benefitted from the selfless support you’ve given when I say that the hope you provide is an inspiration.”