TORONTO (April 23, 2001) -- In recognition of his many years of dedication to neurosurgical science and the medical community, Gary VanderArk, MD, of Englewood, Colorado, has been named the recipient of the 2001 Humanitarian Award for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Dr VanderArk is being recognized for his efforts as a leader in community development, with a specific focus on access to health care. He is a charismatic leader and a champion for the improvement of health care and well being of his community.
Dr. VanderArk began his practice in Denver over 30 years ago establishing the neurosurgery service at Denver General Hospital. After a time in academic medicine, he began a private practice in the Denver area which has persisted to this day. He earned his undergraduate degree from Calvin College and his medical degree from the University of Michigan. Dr. VanderArk completed his residency in neurosurgery at the University of Michigan and was certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1970.
Caring for Colorado¡¦s medically underserved, including those without health insurance and without other resources to obtain necessary care, has been a mission of Dr. VanderArk's since he started his medical practice. While nurturing this passion for the underserved, he has inspired others to act collectively to address this pressing societal problem.
In 1997 as President-elect of the Colorado Medical Society, Dr. VanderArk hosted a statewide conference to devise a plan to solve the problems of the medically underserved in Colorado. Since that time has cultivated relationships and initiated a process by which a coalition of over 250 individuals and organizations have united to devise a 10-year plan to ensure that by 2007 all Coloradoans have unimpeded access to affordable, quality medical care and preventive services. In four years, the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved has grown from a fledgling group of heath care providers, to include a diverse mix of business and consumer groups, government agencies, the state legislature, and other policy makers, the faith community, philanthropic organizations and other interested individuals.
What is most remarkable, according to those work closely with him, is that under Dr. VanderArk's leadership, the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved makes all of its decisions by consensus. Thanks to his collaborative leadership style and his inspired vision, this diverse group has grown to become a source for expert information, an outspoken advocate and dynamic force for health system reform. He now spends 50 percent of his time working with the Coalition. Under his leadership eight books have been published by the Coalition related to needs of the medically underserved. The Coalition for the Medically Underserved is a project of the Colorado Medical Society Foundation and is funded by generous grants from the Colorado Trust and other Colorado Foundations.
This common purpose comes from Dr. VanderArk¡¦s own model of service. When care was limited to some residents in the Denver area Dr. VanderArk stepped in and worked with the local medical community to find creative solutions. Together, they designed a program to provide medical care for the temporarily uninsured who were not eligible for federal or state programs. Underserved residents in the southern suburbs of Denver now have access to medical care they need through the Doctors Care program. Over 450 physicians and three hospitals have participated in this program that serves 1,500 people per year and has contributed more than $30 million in free medical care for residents in counties around Denver who could otherwise not afford it.
His strong advocacy efforts have earned him the respect of leaders both inside and outside the health care arena. He is often asked to speak about issues of the medically underserved by business, provider and civic organizations, and has testified before numerous legislative committees. Dr. VanderArk is dedicated to bringing people together to share their resources and to devise innovative solutions to challenges regarding health insurance coverage and access to health care.
Dr. VanderArk's greatest strength is his ability to unite people around the common goals and vision of a better world. His service extends beyond the health care sector. As a community organizer, he has sponsored Cambodian families that have fled Khmer Rouge persecution. He has worked with these refugees to establish their own church. Dr. VanderArk's actions illustrate the responsibility he feels to care for community members in need. This conviction coupled with his leadership skills demonstrates Dr. VanderArk¡¦s ability to improve health and well being of the community.
In recognition of his accomplishments and his outstanding service to the medically underserved of the Colorado, the AANS is proud to honor Dr. Gary VanderArk with the 2001 Humanitarian Award.
Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with nearly 5,800 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the spinal column, spinal cord, brain, nervous system and peripheral nerves.
