St. Joseph Health Legacy Award Recognizes Two for Living Franciscan Mission, Values

Bryan, TX, February 5, 2020—CHI St. Joseph Health will honor Anna Damian, M.D., and Monsignor John Malinowski at our annual Legacy Awards ceremony scheduled for February 27, 2020, at Regional Hospital in Bryan. The St. Joseph Health team members are being recognized for their commitment to Franciscan values and for continuing the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, who founded the health system over 83 years ago. This year marks the third annual Legacy Awards ceremony. "Dr. Damian and Monsignor Malinowski exude Franciscan values in their lives every day, both professionally and personally. Through their actions and spirit, we see the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis continued. I am delighted to add their names to the distinguished list of Legacy Award winners," said Theron Park, President and CEO of St. Joseph Health. "This legacy is at the heart of how we treat our patients and our ongoing focus on providing safe, quality care." Each year, nominations for individuals associated with St. Joseph Health who exemplify and are committed to the values of Tenderness, Humility, Selflessness and Reverence for all Creation are submitted by community residents and St. Joseph Health medical staff and team members. Dr. Anna Damian has dedicated over 23 years of service to St. Joseph Health. As a primary care physician, she cares for patients of all ages. Described by both patients and colleagues as an example of the Catholic faith, Dr. Damian honors the Franciscan values of Tenderness, Humility, Selflessness and Reverence every day. She always takes her time with her patients, ensuring they never feel rushed, and she makes herself available to patients to provide clarification, answer questions or provide support and education to help them determine the best course of treatments for themselves and their families. Dr. Damian is often seen walking the halls, greeting people and helping them find their way. As one patient stated, "It’s clear through Dr. Anna’s work that she is committed to this organization and to her faith." Serving as the face of the hospital for more than 20 years, Monsignor Malinowski honors the Franciscan values of Tenderness, Humility, Selflessness and Reverence daily. Msgr. Malinowski has provided spiritual care and support for thousands of patients and family members both in times of crisis and joy. He remains a constant supporter and valuable member of the St. Joseph Health team even into his retirement, voluntarily leading weekly mass and passionately promoting the Mission of our ministry and our founders, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. Held in high regard for his leadership and ability to connect with people of all faiths, Msgr. Malinowski is also an advocate for our Catholic heritage, having performed thousands of sacraments, blessings and masses. Honorees receive a plaque, which will be displayed in Regional Hospital near the Legacy Tree, commemorating the core values of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio and past award recipients. Those include retired John Hall, MD, Medical Staff Services Director Kathryn O’Briant Wier, retired Administrator and Vice President of Rural Hospitals Reed Edmundson, Stephen Braden, MD, Social Worker Betty Jo Harp, C.H. Prihoda, MD, retired Alan Young, MD, retired Ralph Young, MD and retired Mari Szabo, RN. About St. Joseph Health: St. Joseph Health is comprised of five hospitals across the Brazos Valley, including Regional Hospital in Bryan-College Station and St. Joseph Health – College Station Hospital (formerly College Station Medical Center). St. Joseph Health is home to a Level II Major Trauma Center, the highest in the region. The St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network is a primary care clinical and academic partnership with Texas A&M University Health Science Center. Together, the St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network includes over 100 employed primary care physicians, specialists and advanced practice clinicians. As an active member of the Brazos Valley, St. Joseph Health is a leader in providing compassionate care as well as addressing the overall health of the community. It is part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) which recently joined with Dignity Health to form CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit national health system committed to advancing the health of all people and dedicated to serving the common good. Learn more about St. Joseph Health at CHIStJoseph.org. [For more information, please contact Director of Marketing and Public Relations Heather Bush at 979-774-2165 or [email protected].] ###