The Unsung Heroes

This edition of is dedicated to the unsung heroes of the medical profession--those who serve in the trenches without the fanfare or glory. The top administrators and physicians certainly deserve their due share of credit. They'll be the first, however, to acknowledge that without the exceptional support network of the people working on the front lines, they would be inoperable. Literally.

The healthcare profession certainly has seen its share of changes over the years, but a constant thread woven throughout is the compassion shown by the people that make it work. This edition of Ingram's is dedicated to these unsung heroes of the medical profession--those who serve in the trenches without the fanfare or glory.

The top administrators and physicians certainly deserve their due share of credit. They'll be the first, however, to acknowledge that without the exceptional support network of the people working on the front lines, they would be inoperable. Literally.

Even with the diligence and hours of work, it's a lot of fun for the team and associates at Ingram's Magazine to showcase an initiative like Heroes in Healthcare. It's particularly unique to roll out a debut program. We've introduced and developed many annual traditions in the Kansas City area, ranging from 40 Under Forty to Corporate Report 100, from Best of Business Kansas City to the annual favorite Philanthropy edition. There are two programs, however, that are very special in their own right and certainly relevant to the healthcare profession. Top Doctors, which is an important com-ponent of the annual Special Medical Edition, and Heroes in Healthcare, which we sincerely hope will become a favored annual tradition for years to come.

Like any program launch, we'll make adjustments and refinements as we go. With Heroes in Healthcare, we wanted to roll out a program with a definitive emphasis on identifying and honoring the unsung heroes-- those working in the medical operations vital to their organizations' success.

Beginning on page 33 of this issue, you'll be introduced to 22 exceptional individuals who are among the highest respected team players at their hospitals, clinics and healthcare organizations. What we've discovered in the judging process is that there is an abundance of heroes, many of whom we are confident will be showcased in future years. We sense that the program will attract interest and a bit of competitiveness going forward-- it will be up to our judges to disseminate through the recommendations to discover the noblest people deserving of the honor. On behalf of the team at Ingram's, we genuinely appreciate everyone's help that has brought us to unveiling the premier 2004 class of Heroes in Healthcare. We encourage their associates, family members and friends to join us at the Downtown Marriott the morning of March 25th in celebration of these good souls (details on page 34). Congratulations once again to our honorees and a special "thank you" for those who took the time and interest to nominate them.

We wish you good health,
Editor-In-Chief & Publisher