(Casper, Wyo.) – On Saturday, October 10, the Wyoming Medical Center Foundation named its 2015 Physician and Community Leaders of the year.
Physician of the Year
Dr. Jim Anderson, a general and vascular surgeon at Wyoming Surgical Associates, grew up in Casper, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wyoming and attended the University of Colorado Medical School. He completed his general surgery residency training at the University of Washington in Seattle.
In 1981, he returned to Casper with his wife, Cody, and three sons, Brock, Colter and Ryan. He established his practice and for 25 years was the only board-certified vascular surgeon in Wyoming. Dr. Anderson has been on the Wyoming Medical Center medical staff for 34 years. He has served on the Med Exec Committee, as chair of both the Peri-Op Committee and Surgery Division, and is the current chair of the Trauma Committee.
“We have so much respect for Dr. Anderson. It’s as if he’s our dad and we don’t want to disappoint him. We look up to him in every way,” said Shandiin Kilgore and Stephanie Houck, members of the Wyoming Medical Center operating room staff.
Connie Coleman, nurse manager of the WMC surgical unit, describes Dr. Anderson as a “leader, supporter, patient advocate, encourager, counselor, teacher, confidante.”
Coleman continued: “Over time, I have seen Dr. Anderson sternly tell a physician or nurse what to do for a patient, then turn around and hold the hand of a scared patient and offer words of comfort on the way to the OR. I have seen Dr. Anderson save numerous lives and celebrate the victory, then turn around and offer a hug and a shoulder to cry on when nothing more can be done for a patient. I am proud to call him doctor and friend. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your skill, and your heart with so many people.”
Community Leaders of the Year
John and Sue Masterson were introduced to Wyoming Medical Center after the births of their three children, Michael, Katy and Sarah. The Masterson family donated $1 million to the Wyoming Medical Center Foundation to establish Masterson Place, a hospitality house that offers an affordable place to stay for patients and their families while undergoing treatment.
John has served on the WMC Foundation Board, WMC Board and currently serves as chairman of the hospital board.
“The long-standing commitment of Sue and John to help our families in need through the Masterson place is unheralded. They support not only our patients and families but the community in their service,” said Vickie Diamond, president and CEO of Wyoming Medical Center.
The Masterson’s children were unable to attend the Gift of Health Gala in honor of their parents, but provided the following statements:
“Knowing that my mother and father continue to strengthen this community through their selfless love, proves to me that not only are they great leaders, but insightful parents as well. It makes me proud to know that I was raised by two of the best citizens of the City of Casper.”
– Michael Masterson
“My parents are dedicated to this community that they love so much, and they live this every day in the pursuit of helping others, regardless of reward. Even at times when it seems that no one can see their gracious deeds, our family and our community is forever grateful for their actions of kindness and love. They have shown us what it means to be gracious, and live every day striving for happiness and enrichment.”
– Sarah Masterson
“My parents have been outstanding members of the Casper community. They continue to be my inspiration in leading any community, and have truly shown me how to be an inspirational citizen. Through their hard work, I have learned the value of determination and persistence – which in turn teaches me how to be a better leader. I couldn’t ask for better role models as parents, as well as for the city of Casper.”
– Katy Masterson
h/t Caryn Luberto, executive director of the Wyoming Medical Center Foundation.