November 19, 2015 Contact: Julianne LaSmith
PO Box 1231
Havre, MT 59501
(406) 262-1419
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dr. Michael Nolan Awarded Leadership Award
Havre, Montana – The Montana Office of Rural Health announced today that Dr. Michael Nolan, a Family Medicine provider at Northern Montana Health Care, has been awarded the “Frank Newman Rural Clinician Leadership Award”.
Every year in honor of National Rural Health Day, the third Thursday of every November, the Montana Office of Rural Health/AHEC and Montana Rural Health Association announces the Dr. Frank Newman Rural Health Awards. Dr. Newman represented the spirit of Montana in nearly 50 years of service to rural communities and healthcare in our state.
Dr. Newman was instrumental in founding the Montana WWAMI Medical School Program, the Montana Office of Rural Health, the Montana AHEC, the Montana Family Medicine Residency Program, and many other programs. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was the founder of the Wind Drinkers running club. Dr. Newman counseled hundreds of young people interested in a career in medicine and other health professions. He was actively teaching in the WWAMI Targeted Rural Underserved Track at Montana State University, and working at the Montana Office of Rural Health/AHEC until his death at age 80 on Veteran’s Day, 2011.
Dr. Newman traveled to every corner of Montana, worked with rural hospitals and healthcare providers, and believed that communities had the capacity to support high quality healthcare. He helped many people persevere in their goals and hopes, and inspired many young people to pursue their dreams. Frank was committed to rural health in Montana and exemplified that commitment through support for health professions, a belief in the young people of our state, and an optimist view of the future.
Dr. Nolan was nominated for this prestigious award by David Henry, President of Northern Montana Health Care. Mr. Henry had this to say about Dr. Nolan, “It is an honor and a privilege to nominate Dr. Michael Nolan for the Dr. Frank Newman Rural Clinician Leadership Award.”
Dr. Nolan is a Family Medicine Practitioner who began his practice in Havre, Montana on June 29, 1980. Over the decades that followed Dr. Nolan has nurtured a connection with three generations of families. In the early 90's the need for more obstetrical providers was recognized by the Havre medical community. At that time, Dr. Nolan's commitment to the community was evidenced by his willingness to return to medical school for more extensive obstetrics and surgical procedure training. The community rejoiced when Dr. Nolan returned in 1994. In addition to his family practice in Havre, for many years, on the weekends, Dr. Nolan provided ER services to other locations in Montana and Wyoming.
Over the years, Dr. Nolan has contributed to enhancing the healthcare of the Hi-Line by mentoring Students in the WWAMI Medical Program, preceptoring Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant students, participating in job shadowing with other students, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of Northern Montana Hospital and Northern Montana Health Care from 1994-2014. Over the years he has served as the medical director for Northern Montana Medical Group-West, Diabetes Education, Health Information Management, Pharmacy, and Family Medicine.
Dr. Nolan's military career includes the United States Navy SEAL Team, Viet Nam Service, the Bronze Star with V for Valor, and a Navy Commendation Medal for Combat Actions.
“We are so proud to have such an excellent physician as Dr. Michael Nolan as part of our healthcare team. Our deepest congratulations to Dr. Nolan on receiving this award.” added Mr. Henry.
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