Rick Hong, M.D., has been recognized as New Jersey’s 2009 Outstanding EMS Physician. This recognition, given by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Emergency Services, honors a physician who has made the most positive impact and contribution to prehospital care in the state of New Jersey. Dr. Hong received numerous nominations for this honor.
He received his award from the Assistant Commissioner of Health, Dr. Joseph Tricarico, who read the following:
“This Medical Director demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication in the field of EMS, and is recognized by his colleagues and peers for his commitment to improving the overall quality of pre-hospital care in the state of New Jersey. His accomplishments include enhancing the Performance Improvement process, developing successful training and education programs for EMT’s, obtaining grant funding for EMS initiatives, and reaching out to numerous agencies that support EMS efforts to create a comprehensive Emergency Management system that interfaces with adjacent towns and states. His countless hours and dedication as a medical professional clearly demonstrate his valuable contribution in the field of EMS.”
Dr. Hong is the Head of the Division of EMS/Disaster Medicine for the Department of Emergency Medicine and also serves as the Medical Director for the Southern New Jersey Regional Medical Coordination Center at Cooper University Hospital.