 Hohm family and HRMC representatives pose for a photo at a press conference Wed., Jan. 24, to announce the creation of a new healthcare scholarship fund in memory of Dr. Paul Hohm. Pictured from left are: Larry Mattke, Joel Nelson, David McGirr, Dr. Robert Hohm, Marilyn Hoyt, Jim Borszich, Carol Hohm, Dr. James Cole and Dale Schneider. |
A $100,000 contribution will establish the Dr. Paul and Carol Hohm Healthcare Scholarship Endowment Fund through the HRMC Foundation. Additionally, the board voted to issue a $50,000 challenge match to the community to build the fund principal quickly, making scholarship funds available sooner, according to McGirr.
“Dr. Paul Hohm devoted his life not only to the care of patients, but also to ensuring the availability of quality health care and healthcare providers in the Huron area,” said McGirr. “This gesture is meant to honor that commitment.”
“We are deeply honored that the hospital has committed to continuing my father’s legacy,” said Marilyn Hoyt, “Dad was loyal to his community hospital and this gesture is certainly appreciated.”
Dr. Paul Hohm was born on a farm near Yale and received his undergraduate degree from Huron College and a medical degree from the University of Chicago Medical School. During World War II, he served in the Navy as a surgeon aboard the hospital ship USS Haven. Dr. Hohm and his wife, Carol, returned to Huron in 1946, where he, his brother and three uncles opened the Tschetter and Hohm Clinic. Dr. Hohm was actively involved in the establishment of St. John’s Hospital and all subsequent expansions of Huron Regional Medical Center.
“Dr. Paul was a strong partner and supporter of this hospital from the very beginning,” said McGirr. “When deciding a fitting way to honor the man and his great commitment, the board knew we needed to continue his belief in promoting and furthering access to local healthcare.”
The intent of the scholarship fund is to help ensure the availability of needed healthcare professionals for the residents of Beadle County, McGirr explained.
Interest income from the newly-created endowment will fund scholarships or educational assistance for students pursuing medical degrees in a variety of physician specialties, as well as other healthcare careers such as nursing, pharmacy, psychology, radiology or therapy. Recipients will commit the first five years of their practice to serving Beadle County.
“Medical education is expensive – and recruiting medical professionals is challenging,” said John Single, president and CEO for HRMC. “This fund will continue Dr. Hohm’s mission at the same time enabling local young people to pursue a dream of practicing medicine in their home community.”
The scholarship fund will be managed by the HRMC Foundation, and scholarship funds will be distributed once the fund begins earning a minimum of $50,000 interest income per year.
“The hospital board has established a framework for us to develop criteria and guidelines for dispersing these funds,” said Joel Nelson, HRMC Foundation board chairman. “With the initial investment, the community challenge match and ongoing contributions, we would anticipate the first scholarships to be available within the next few years.”
One-time gifts, multiyear pledges or asset contributions will be matched dollar for dollar by the HRMC board of directors up to $50,000. The challenge match will remain open through the end of 2007. Community members interested in contributing to the fund can contact the Foundation executive director, Rob Timm, at 353-6315.
“Huron and this hospital were my dad’s life,” said Dr. Robert Hohm. “He fought tooth and nail to keep a viable medical community here – this scholarship fund helps to memorialize and continue his passion and effort.”
About Huron Regional Medical Center:
HRMC provides state-of-the-art health care with a caring, compassionate touch to residents in Huron and seven surrounding counties in the region. As a non-profit, private corporation, profits are reinvested directly into the hospital for such items as new or updated equipment and expanded programs. HRMC employs approximately 245 people from the area. For more information, visit HRMC’s Web site at www.huronregional.org.
