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Pardee honors Physician, Philanthropist of the Year

Dr. Werner Brooks was named Physician of the Year and Greg Burnette Philanthropist of the Year at the annual gala of the Pardee Foundation on Saturday.

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 16, 2019

The Pardee Hospital Foundation  honored the hospital's Physician of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year during the foundation's annual gala attended by 350 guests at Horse Shoe Farm on Saturday.

Physician of the year was  Werner C. Brooks, an orthopedic surgery who has been working at Pardee since 1998. The Physician of the Year Award is given to a Pardee physician whose career has been defined by medical excellence, dedication to compassionate patient care, and a commitment to improving the lives of people throughout the community. Werner Brooks was nominated by several of his patients for exemplifying those characteristics.

A member of the Henderson County Medical Society, North Carolina Medical Society, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, he specializes in general orthopaedic surgery, knee and shoulder surgery, sports medicine and total joint replacements.

A native of Georgia, Brooks graduated from Duke University and went on to attend medical school and complete his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. He served in the Air Force like his father and brother and following his residency he served his commitment to the army at the Charleston Naval Hospital by an arrangement between the two services.

Greg Burnette was recognized as Philanthropist of the Year, which is presented to members of the community who have made outstanding contributions to Pardee Hospital, Pardee Hospital Foundation and community health care.

Area executive for First Citizens Bank. He has served on numerous non-profit boards, including the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Four Seasons Hospice, United Way of Henderson County, Henderson County Family YMCA, YMCA of Western North Carolina and the Pardee Hospital Foundation. He currently serves as chair of the Henderson County Hospital Board of Directors.  

"It’s no surprise that he eventually has served as Chairman on each of these Boards," said Dr. William Medina, who presented the award. "From his roots in Marshall, through his education at UNCAsheville, our honoree has touched people along the way. He has left a mark wherever he has served, and we have all been touched by his work and commitment to community. That is truly the definition of philanthropy – the love of mankind. His wife Lisa and their three children enjoy living in this community and are very proud of this man."

“Dr. Brooks and Greg Burnette are both wonderful representatives of our community, said Kimerly Hinkelman, Pardee Hospital Foundation Executive Director. “Pardee Hospital is a better place because of them and we would not be able to provide the care our community deserves without these individuals. We thank them for their service to Pardee and to our community.”

Pardee President and CEO Jay Kirby thanked the employees for making Pardee a health care leader.

"From the medical and clinical staff, support departments and leadership team, to the volunteers who direct a family member down the hall to see a loved one, I am grateful for their dedication and commitment," he said. "They are what makes Pardee the caring, compassionate health care provider to so many throughout our region."

Pardee is increasingly delivering health care throughout the community.

"While our home base is our main hospital campus in Hendersonville, our medical providers and staff are increasingly on the go to meet community members where they work, live and play," he said. "With three urgent care locations, five orthopedic clinics, three rehabilitation and wellness centers, a cancer center, the Mission Pardee Health Campus and dozens of primary care and specialty practices, Pardee strives to provide high-quality, accessible health care throughout the region."