Paul Harrington, M.D., Wins TLC Award

Physicians nominate those who best embody hospital’s TLC values  

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 2, 2012 -- Paul Harrington, M.D., a Family Medicine physician based in Charlton, is the winner of this year’s TLC -- Total Local Care award.

Dr. Harrington, who has practiced in Charlton for 30 years, was chosen for the TLC award because he embodies Harrington HealthCare System’s TLC values, such as being available, caring, collegial, cooperative, flexible and reliable. The TLC Award was inaugurated one year ago by Harrington HealthCare System. Last year’s winner was Dr. Paul Santolucito, a cardiologist.

In his years in practice in this region, Dr. Harrington has done everything from deliver babies to work in the Emergency Room, and on occasion still makes a house call. (He jokes that he took the position here because the administration promised to name the hospital after him!) His office, called Charlton Family Practice, on Route 169, also includes Drs. Andrey Sayko and Hope Ring and nurse practitioner Carleen McQuaid. Dr. Harrington’s wife, Kathy, is the office manager.

Each year, members of Harrington HealthCare System’s Medical Staff nominate those they believe best embody Harrington’s TLC values. This year, 13 physicians were nominated for the award. The winner is chosen by committee.

Dr. Harrington learned he had won the award the evening of Thursday, Nov. 1, at a Physician Recognition event at Harrington HealthCare System’s major medical office building, Harrington HealthCare at Charlton, on Main Street just off Route 20. The semi-annual event is organized by Joan Menard, Harrington HealthCare System’s Director of Physician Relations, who also launched the annual TLC Award one year ago

The physicians and Harrington executives who attended the Physician Recognition event also honored two other doctors who have practice 30 years or more in this area -- Stjepan Kereshi, M.D., a neurologist; and Rose Tharakan, M.D., F.A.A.P., M.R.C.P., D.C.H, a pediatrician who retired this fall after over 40 years of service to our community.

Dr. Tharakan was also awarded a special “college” chair with the Harrington logo on it, and was honored for her tireless devotion to Harrington, where she practiced for 40 years. She was chief of Pediatrics at Harrington Hospital for six years, and still serves as school physician at Tantasqua Junior High School.

HARRINGTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM is a comprehensive regional healthcare system serving the needs of Southern Worcester County and Northern Connecticut through:

Øour 114-bed acute-care Harrington Hospital in Southbridge that provides medical and surgical inpatient care, 24-hour emergency services, psychiatric care, pediatrics and obstetrical care, intensive/coronary care and comprehensive outpatient services;

Øsatellite medical facilities across South Central Massachusetts, including physician offices, Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard in Webster, anchored by a 24/7 Emergency Care Center, and Harrington HealthCare at Charlton. These two large medical facilities house a number of medical services, including primary care and specialty doctors, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and other medical specialties;

Øa free-standing treatment center, The Cancer Center at Harrington, in Southbridge, that allows patients to receive advanced, local oncological care, including chemotherapy, counseling, pain management and reconstructive surgery. Through our joint venture partner Radiation Therapy Services, the center offers advanced radiation therapy techniques, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy.