Erlanger welcomed physicians, community leaders and supporters to its 22nd Annual Dinner of Distinction Feb. 6 at The Westin Chattanooga, honoring four individuals whose careers and service have left a lasting imprint on health care across the region.
The annual event celebrates individuals who demonstrate an enduring commitment to improving community health, advancing medical care and serving others. This year’s honorees exemplified those qualities through decades of leadership in medicine and philanthropy.
Dr. John Boldt, a board-certified pulmonologist and critical care physician, was recognized for more than 40 years of caring for patients with complex respiratory conditions. Known for his expertise in both outpatient pulmonary medicine and intensive care settings, Boldt has helped elevate standards of care for some of the region’s most vulnerable patients.
Colleagues describe him as a steady presence in the ICU and a thoughtful mentor to younger physicians navigating the demanding field of critical care.
Dr. Marvin Hall was honored for more than 35 years of leadership in pediatric critical care. As chief medical officer at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger and a longtime pediatric critical care specialist, Hall has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for critically ill children. His clinical leadership and academic contributions have shaped pediatric care not only at Erlanger but across Tennessee.
Known for championing patient-centered care, Hall has worked to ensure that families are supported and informed during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Dr. Christopher Poole, a board-certified nephrologist with more than 25 years of experience, was recognized for advancing kidney health care through clinical excellence, system leadership and advocacy for preventive care. As a former chief of staff at Erlanger, Poole strengthened collaboration among medical teams and helped advance quality initiatives throughout the health system.
His work has focused not only on treating kidney disease but also on promoting early intervention and education to improve long-term patient outcomes.
The evening also celebrated Julie Taylor, recipient of the Gordon Street Distinguished Community Leader Award. Taylor was honored for her transformative leadership with the Erlanger Foundation and her broader service to the Chattanooga community.
During her 11 years leading the Foundation, she spearheaded campaigns that raised millions of dollars to support capital improvements, technology upgrades and patient care initiatives. Those efforts, organizers said, will benefit families across the region for generations to come.
The Dinner of Distinction is made possible each year through the support of generous sponsors. This year’s event was supported by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, First Horizon Bank, Athens Distributing, Chattanooga Funeral Home and Florist, Nephrology Associates, University Surgical Associates, Siskin Children’s Institute, Erlanger Pulmonology and Critical Care, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, ACE Anesthesiology Consultants Exchange, AM Investment Strategies, Noon Management Medical Executive Committee and B.W. Ruffner.
Source: Erlanger