PORTLAND, Maine – New England Rehabilitation Hospital presented several awards at their annual Employee Appreciation Day celebration held May 6, 2008. Tom McOsker, MACCC-SLP, of South Portland, received the Buzz Fitzgerald Award. The award is presented annually to an NERHP staff member in recognition of their outstanding leadership, dedication, integrity and enthusiasm.

Amy Morse, CEO, states, “Tom is a passionate therapist, patient advocate and teacher. The quote by Paul Shane Spear captures the essence of this award recipient’s approach of the caregivers of New England Rehabilitation Hospital, ‘As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.’”

Friends and family members created the award in memory of Buzz Fitzgerald, former President of Bath Iron Works. Mr. Fitzgerald was a patient at NERHP and touched the lives of many of its employees during this time.