Bayhealth Medical Staff Donates Plaque in Memory of Delaware’s First Licensed Physician Assistant

Members of the Bayhealth Medical Staff gathered to present a memorial plaque to honor Steve Ruggles, PA-C. Ruggles was the first physician assistant credentialed at Bayhealth – he passed away in April 2023. He spent most of his career working alongside physicians T. Noble Jarrell III, MD, Brian M. Benson, Jr., MD, Christopher Giles, MD, Michael G. Sweeney, MD and Marisa Conti, DO at Internal Medicine of Dover.

In addition to the plaque, the Medical Staff donated $10,000 to the Bayhealth Foundation in honor of Ruggles who faithfully served the central Delaware community for 36 years. Following a brief program where colleagues shared memories and thanks, the plaque was unveiled to Ruggles’ wife Debbie who shared her heartfelt appreciation for the donation and gesture honoring her late husband.

“Honoring a life well-lived and a career that impacted so many lives is something that the Bayhealth Foundation is always eager to take part in,” shared Bayhealth Foundation President Lindsay A. Rhodenbaugh, DMin. “By all accounts, Steve was among the best caregivers who served patients in our area in recent years.”

The plaque will be placed outside a patient care room in the Progressive Care Unit at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus.

Visit Bayhealth.org/Foundation or email Foundation@Bayhealth.org to learn about the various ways to donate to Bayhealth.