Navicent Health, in honor of its former Chief Medical Executive Christopher Hendry, M.D., has established the “Chris Hendry Excellence in Medicine Award” to recognize a Navicent Health staff physician who exhibits the qualities that Dr. Hendry lived out daily. The inaugural award has been presented to Mitch Rodriguez, M.D., neonatologist and business development director at Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health. 

“We suffered a great loss this year with the passing of Dr. Chris Hendry. He was a friend to all, a mentor to many, a thorn when that was needed, a balm when that was needed. I can think of no better exemplar for what I wanted to honor in a physician,” said Bob Lane, M.D., medical chief of staff for Navicent Health.

The Chris Hendry Excellence in Medicine Award will be presented biennially by the chief of staff to an active member of the medical staff who exemplifies the qualities that made Dr. Hendry unique and valued by all who knew him, including integrity, fairness, kindness and patient focus.

“Dr. Hendry’s patient focused, process driven, deeply caring work ethic changed healthcare delivery at Navicent Health. His accessibility, approachability, affability and his wonderful sense of humor made him a joy to work with and work for,” said Dr. Lane.

Dr. Rodriguez has been selected as the first recipient of the “Chris Hendry Excellence in Medicine Award” for exhibiting these qualities. Dr. Rodriguez is well known for his excellent clinical care and talent as an administrative leader, as well as his devotion to his fragile neonatal patients and their families. In addition, Dr. Rodriguez is a well-respected mentor who develops others to be better clinicians and leaders, a trait that mirrors that of Dr. Hendry.

“Chris Hendry was my friend and my mentor. In addition, he was an individual for whom physicians had the utmost respect. His ability and willingness to understand a situation and work towards positive solutions was unique. To be considered for and awarded the first Chris Hendry Excellence in Medicine Award is truly humbling and an honor. I will continue to strive to achieve in my daily life and practice the essence of this award,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

Dr. Hendry, a well-respected community physician and beloved Navicent Health executive, passed away unexpectedly in June 2018. He is survived by his wife and two children, and many colleagues on whom he still has an impact.