Beebe foundation honors Dr. Palekar for philanthropy
Beebe Medical Foundation presented Bhaskar Palekar, MD with the 2022 Physician Philanthropy Award Feb. 20.
Palekar joined Beebe’s medical staff in July 1977 and has made a lifelong impact on the healthcare system and community in his many years of service.
A 1916 Club member, Palekar has always been available for foundation functions, including the patient referrals presentations and talks. He is a past president of the medical staff and board of directors chair, alongside many other positions and accolades.
“It was my honor to celebrate the two loves of Dr. Palekar, medicine and humankind,” said Tom Protack, Beebe Medical Foundation president. “Dr. Palekar has done so much for Beebe and the community, with his contagious laugh, joy in his heart and sparkle in his eye.”
A large gathering of patients, foundation team members and Beebe executive leadership joined in the celebration, which also included a surprise tribute from the Office of the Governor, signed by Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.
“When we think of Beebe being Sussex County’s local, community, nonprofit health system, Dr. Palekar is a shining example of what makes Beebe special,” said Dr. David A. Tam, Beebe Healthcare president and CEO. “He has dedicated his life to Sussex County and the well-being of its people.”
Michele Rollins, a grateful patient and first board chair of Beebe Medical Foundation, also joined in the celebration. “Dr. Palekar is not only a wonderful physician, but was so instrumental in starting the foundation and getting strong support to help Beebe meet the growing needs of Sussex County. So many of the original donors of the foundation are still giving and are here to celebrate him, and the great mission of the foundation.”
Palekar is widely known for patient clubs. Years ago, he started his 90s Club, in which he currently has more than 45 patients who have reached their 90th birthday, with more than 150 inducted over the years. He also proudly started Dr. Palekar’s Centurion Club and is currently celebrating six members who are over 100 years of age. They all look forward to receiving their induction certificate at their visit, said Rollins.
“I am truly grateful that many of my patients, their families and colleagues were able to join me in this celebration. I am proud to share that I have been an internist with Beebe since 1977,” said Palekar. “As a founding member of the department of medicine, my main objective was to elevate the healthcare provided to our community. I have served on the Beebe board of directors as well as the Beebe Medical Foundation for many years, and it is with the generosity of my friends and colleagues that together we have achieved this goal!”
