New Jersey Regional Medical Director at HCR ManorCare Receives Institute for Nursing 2011 APPLE Award

TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Institute for Nursing, a charitable partner of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, has announced the winners for its Acknowledging Physician Partners: A Liaison for Excellence (APPLE) Awards for 2011.  HCR ManorCare is proud to announce that New Jersey Regional Medical Director Dr. Joseph Higgins is among those receiving the honor.

The APPLE Awards honor those physicians who demonstrate superior work in their fields and support the nurses and patients they work with.  Judy Schmidt, President of the Institute of Nursing, defines those awarded as "...truly partners who view the doctor-nurse relationship as one of respect, collaboration and mutual support."

Dr. Higgins was nominated to receive the award for his outstanding work as an attending physician and Regional Administrative Medical Director for HCR ManorCare facilities in New Jersey.  Mark Gloth, D.O., Vice President, Chief Medical Officer states, "Dr. Higgins' leadership as a Regional Medical Director has been paramount to the successes we have seen in improved quality of care and decreased recidivism.  He is an outstanding physician and an exemplary educator."  Dr. Higgins is recognized as actively bridging the gap between nurses and physicians in the area while educating and empowering those working with him.  

Along with his impressive educational background at Dickinson College, Georgetown University, UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School and Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Higgins also holds certifications with the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Medical Directors Association.  In addition, Dr. Higgins is actively involved with the Pain Management and Pressure Ulcer Prevention Ad Hoc Committees, as well as the Physician Advisory Board.  Ruth Graziano, Regional Director of Operations, states, "Dr. Higgins has helped us implement and fulfill our vision of being a leader in post-acute skilled nursing and rehabilitation care in New Jersey."

The awards are planned to be distributed at the APPLE Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency Princeton in New Jersey on December 8, 2011.

The HCR ManorCare health care family comprises centers that are leading providers of short-term post-acute services.  With 60,000 caregivers nationwide, the HCR ManorCare centers are preeminent care providers in their communities.  These locations operate primarily under the respected ManorCare Health Services, Arden Courts and Heartland names. Our skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers provide post-hospital care for patients transitioning from hospital to home.  Our clinical teams have the demonstrated track record and commitment to impact the success of patients needing this level of post-acute care so they can return home to a meaningful lifestyle.

SOURCE HCR ManorCare