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A hospital hero

Subhash Sahai one of ten across the state to receive Iowa Hospital Association honor

After the award presentation Wednesday, Dr. Subhash Sahai poses with his mother, Urmilla, Lisa Ridge, Van Diest Medical Center CEO, his wife, Dr. Sushma Sahai and sister-in-law, Nutan Sahai.

A Webster City physician has been named one of 10 Iowa Hospital Association Hospital Heroes at a ceremony held at Van Diest Medical Center Wednesday afternoon.

Subhash Sahai, M.D. was recognized by VDMC Chief Executive Officer Lisa Ridge at the ceremony that was attended by many hospital employees, representatives of the board of trustees and Sahai’s family.

“Oh look, my mom’s here, too,” he said as he came to the front of the conference room. His mother Urmila Sahai, wife Dr. Sushma Sahai and sister-in-law, Nutan Sahai were all on hand to witness the presentation.

“The Iowa Hospital Heroes program is a celebration of people of integrity and compassion whose habits of the heart consistently place others before themselves,” Ridge said. “It’s my honor and privilege to recognize Dr. Subhash Sahai.”

Sahai has been practicing family medicine in Webster City since 1976 and was honored by the Iowa Academy of Physicians as the Physician of the Year in 2008.

Ridge said Sahai has given back to the community in many ways.

“Generous in giving back to the community, he has supported numerous projects, including schools, churches and the library in Webster City,” she said. She added that Sahai and his family were also instrumental in building the Hindu Temple at Madrid.

“He’s served as an officer with the Iowa Air National Guard, as a school board member and as a member of the Iowa Board of Regents. His work has distinguished him across the state,” said Ridge.

“A vital part of the community and always striving to make a difference, he truly embodies every characteristic of the Hospital Hero,” she said. “He’s been honored many times by organizations around the world. However to the people of Iowa and Webster City, he is truly our Hospital Hero.”

“Thank you, folks, I truly appreciate this,” he said. “You guys all make me look good.”

“Many people have preceded me and taught me over the years and I’m always appreciative of that. I’m still learning new things everyday. You teach me things everyday,” he said to staff members in attendance.

The IHA Hospital Hero Award was created to recognize and promote hospital employees who contribute courageously and selflessly to Iowa hospitals and their communities. The award is presented to 10 recipients annually at the IHA annual meeting in Des Moines. Since 2007, more than 100 employees from across the state have been honored. This year, Sahai and the other recipients will be recognized on Oct. 10 at 8:15 a.m. at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.

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