Southern Hills Medical Center of the TriStar Health System presented the annual Frist Humanitarian Physician Award to Premier's Malcom Baxter, M.D. on February 8, 2010. This prestigious honor is given to a physician whose service demonstrates extraordinary concern for the welfare of patients, co-workers, and the community. Awards were also given to a hospital employee and a hospital volunteer.

“These individuals demonstrate a level of commitment and caring that goes beyond everyday acts of kindness, and inspire us with their compassion, dedication, and spirit,” said Thomas Ozburn, Southern Hills’ chief executive officer. ”We recognize them for their service to community and neighbors in need in addition to remarkably performing their work duties.”

Following the Haitian earthquake, Dr. Baxter rearranged his schedule, traveling to Jacmel, Haiti where he performed over 35 surgeries as the first post-quake orthopaedic surgeon in that community. In 2009, Dr. Baxter’s two mission trips to Peru so inspired him that he now serves as a mentor to young Latinos at El Shaddai Christian Church. On missions in Haiti, Peru and Romania, he has taught new techniques to local surgeons and arranged for the donation of medical equipment. He has been a member of the Southern Hills medical staff since 1995.

The Frist Humanitarian Awards, named for the late Dr. Thomas Frist Sr., were created in 1971 to honor outstanding individuals who care for and show compassion to others. Each year HCA hospitals celebrate the humanitarian spirit and principles upon which the company was founded by naming outstanding individuals in three categories – volunteer, employee, and physician.

Premier Orthopaedics is proud of orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Mac Baxter, who is one of its founding members and practices at its Harding Place and StoneCrest Care Centers. Dr. Baxter specializes in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, shoulder and knee surgery, sports related injuries, arthroscopy, and joint replacement.