Fincher, Buchanan Named Healthcare Heroes by Business Journal
The awards were handed out at the 25th annual event that recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations that go above and beyond the call of duty every day in the healthcare field.
As the vice-president of health sciences and dean of the School of Health Sciences, Dr. Lou Fincher was integral in developing the Marion, Va. campus, which included repurposing the former Smyth County Community Hospital to provide state-of-the-art educational facilities for the college’s graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy and physician assistant studies. She has recruited an excellent team of faculty and staff and fostered a collaborative, inter-professional culture both within the School of Health Sciences and with external partners in the region.
Through her commitment and leadership, the School of Health Sciences is positioned to make a real difference in the delivery of healthcare to the underserved population in this region. This impact will not only include the education of future healthcare professionals, but also community-based, outreach centers focused on falls prevention and obesity research.
Dr. Rebecca Buchanan was honored for her success in promoting health among young people.
Much of her work has focused on young women and girls. In 2001, she established Girls on the Run of Southwest Virginia, an organization devoted to experiential learning and exercise programs for young females. The after-school program served five Southwest Virginia counties and originally started with 15 third, fourth and fifth graders before it involved into a new program known as Ready, Set, Run that includes boys. The combined programs have included more than 400 participants.
Buchanan is currently working with Patrick Henry High School to develop a program that offers opportunities for non-traditional physical education experiences including yoga, dance and self-defense. The program is intended to not only improve physical fitness but also to help students, through better wellness, enhance their learning capacity.
She has also conducted research at Meadowview Elementary School to incorporate brain energizers in the classroom. Results indicated an increase in academic performance.
Recipients of the Healthcare Heroes award were judged on the impact on the community, the difficulty of their accomplishment, innovation of their work, their leadership qualities and the quality of the nominee’s documentation.