May 22, 2007

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Two physicians receive the Caduceus Award

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – For nearly 20 years, two local physicians have provided much needed medical care to remote and poor areas of the Guatemalan highlands.

In recognition of their efforts, Paul Schultz, M.D., Midsota Plastic Surgeons; and Gary Boeke, M.D., Anesthesia and Associates, were honored with CentraCare Health Foundation’s 2007 Caduceus Award at the Celebration of Commitment on May 14.

The CentraCare Health Foundation developed the Caduceus Award to honor the outstanding work of Central Minnesota physicians who exhibit exceptional humanitarian medical efforts to improve health and health care in our region or around the world.

In 1987, Dr. Schultz made his first trip to the war-torn country of Guatemala with a relatively new organization called Helps International. He returned in 1988 with a medical team that included Dr. Boeke. Drs. Schultz and Boeke have been returning to Guatemala at least once a year ever since and have become the key drivers in forming medical mission teams from all parts of the country.

Drs. Schultz and Boeke have fostered the development of nearly 12 teams of physicians from across the United States to join Helps International. These teams have performed more than 151,000 medical procedures.

The dynamic duo gives much credit to the dedicated volunteers who raise money or pay their own way to serve the people of Guatemala. They also credit many organizations such as St. Cloud Hospital for donating supplies and equipment to the missions.

Dr. Schultz serves as medical director for Helps International and Dr. Boeke serves on the national board and directs the organization’s anesthesia care.

“Who would have imagined that we could make such a difference,” said Dr. Schultz. “Over 20 years of civil war had created a level of human need that is difficult to grasp. A small medical team could help a few, however most were untouched. We knew that we must return with greater capability. Central Minnesota could build a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team that would bring quality care to the remote, unseen people of Guatemala. The unlikely became a reality.”

The award was presented by Pediatrician Cindy Melloy, M.D., Chair of the Foundation’s Caduceus Society; and Podiatrist Walter Ellis, M.D., Chairmen of the Foundation Board. Only six other recipients have received this award.

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