March 18, 2005

IMSuRT receives well-deserved honor

In December 2003, IMSuRT — the International Medical Surgical Response Team— was deployed to Bam, Iran to provide medical assistance to the victims of a devastating earthquake. MGH members of this team, including Susan Briggs, MD, of MGH Surgery and director of IMSuRT, were honored for their valiant efforts by FEMA — the Federal Emergency Management Association — March 11 with a Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary Award. The award is one of only nine Undersecretary Awards presented nationwide for outstanding work in emergency management.

"We are extremely proud to have your team as part of our team," said Ken Horak (right), regional director of FEMA. "It is my honor to give you this award on behalf of Undersecretary Michael Brown."

All members of the team who were deployed to Iran received a certificate for their dedication and hard work. "We are honored to receive the Undersecretary's Award, and it is a great recognition for the team members who worked under extremely difficult conditions to provide life-saving care to earthquake victims," said Briggs. She also thanked Andrew Warshaw, MD, MGH surgeon-in-chief; Ann Prestipino, senior vice president for Surgical and Anesthesia Services, Cardiac Services and Clinical Business Development; and Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse, who were instrumental in helping form the IMSuRT.