Robert H. McCollough, M.D., retiring associate medical director of Haven Hospice, was honored with the William C. Thomas, Jr. Award “For Excellence in the Clinical Care of Patients with Dementia,” at a special evening co-hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association Central & North Florida Chapter and Haven Hospice. “An Affair to Remember” honored and educated professionals involved in Alzheimer's and hospice care.

“There are three attributes we associate with Bob McCollough—detail, dedication, and compassion,” said Robert M. Slaton, M.D., who presented the award. “Compassion and the tireless hours he spends making after-hours phone calls to his patients are the most effective tools in his black bag.”

Affectionately known as “Dr. Bob,” McCollough retired from Haven Hospice in February after nearly 11 years. In 1997, he was appointed medical director of what was then known as Hospice of North Central Florida. Prior to this appointment, he served 29 years in primary care internal medicine and consultative endocrinology.

Also honored at the event was Cheryl Robinson, LCSW, social worker at The Senior Center at Crown Point in Gainesville, who was named the “Distinguished Professional of the Year” Sally Dahlem, community relations director at Summerville, presented her with the award, taking a moment to thank Robinson for her support of Dahlem’s family following the tragic loss of her husband, Gainesville police Lt. Corey Dahlem.

The keynote speaker was Joyce Simard, MSW, a nationally known geriatric consultant and Alzheimer's specialist who developed a program called “Namaste Care” to meet the needs of people with advanced dementia. Namaste, a Hindu word meaning, “to honor the spirit within,” describes care that maintains and improves the quality of life even in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

For more information about Haven Hospice, call 1-800-727-1889.

Story submitted by Haven Hospice