Dr. Leonard Galler (left), chairman of the Department of Surgery at Shore Memorial Hospital, presented Ann Furst, RN, with the 2008 Surgical Chairman's Award earlier this month. Furst recently retired from her position as administrative manager of Shore Memorial's operating room after 27 years of service to the hospital. Ann Furst, RN, received Shore Memorial Hospital's 2008 Surgical Chairman's Award on Sept. 18 during a ceremony at Harbor Pines Golf Club. The award was presented by Dr. Leonard Galler, chairman of the Department of Surgery at Shore Memorial. Dr. Galler also presented Furst with a proclamation from the City of Somers Point.

The Surgical Chairman's Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the advancement of healthcare in the community, provided leadership within the organization and who has advanced surgical practices and performances at Shore Memorial Hospital. Furst is the first individual to receive this honor.

Furst, who retired from her position as administrative manager of Shore Memorial's operating room after 27 years of service to the hospital, was recognized for her perseverance, unwavering commitment to patients, physicians and staff members, and supportive leadership within the Surgical Services Department.

"I am very pleased to present the Surgical Chairman's Award to Ann," said Dr. Galler. "She always made the needs of her patients and their family members her number one priority and encouraged her staff members to do the same. It has been a privilege working with her for the past 15 years. Ann was the pivot person to receive and resolve issues in the operating room, always doing it graciously and with the patients' needs at the forefront."

Furst started her career at Shore Memorial in 1981 as a staff nurse in the operating room. A Mays Landing resident, she received her nursing degree from Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia. In her retirement, she plans to travel, spend time with friends and family and read. Furst also expects to return to the hospital in the near future, but this time as a volunteer.