SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 426 Offered January 16, 2007 Commending David B. Nichols. ---------- Patron-- Rerras ----------

WHEREAS, Dr. David B. Nichols is recognized as the recipient of the national Staff Care 2006 Country Doctor of the Year award; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Nichols, a physician in Lancaster County, has owned and operated a family practice located in White Stone for 27 years, as well as being the primary physician for the residents of Tangier Island; and

WHEREAS, the Country Doctor of the Year, sponsored by Staff Care, recognizes recipient's continuing contribution to rural healthcare and is presented annually to a physician who best exemplifies the spirit, skill, and dedication of America's rural medical practitioners; and

WHEREAS, the Country Doctor of the Year selects a physician who provides care to patients of all ages; demonstrates a high level of clinical expertise and commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the community and the profession; practices in a community of 25,000 people or less; and demonstrates extraordinary dedication to patients and the community throughout his or her career; and

WHEREAS, weekly for the past 27 years, Dr. Nichols and his staff have been steadfast in meeting the critical healthcare needs of the approximately 650 residents of Tangier Island and have consistently delivered vital health services to the island by way of the doctor's personal plane, a helicopter, chartered aircraft, or if weather requires, by a two-hour one-way car and boat trip; and

WHEREAS, many Tangier Island patients require a high level of medical care for their heart disease, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, also known as Tangier Disease, a rare genetic disorder discovered on Tangier Island in 1961; and

WHEREAS, the residents of Tangier Island, who represent a severely underserved population desperately in need of healthcare services, would experience significant problems in accessing quality medical care if it were not for the skill and dedication of Dr. Nichols and his staff and the vital services his medical practice provides; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Nichols made a promise to himself and to the residents of Tangier Island to provide medical care every Thursday come rain, shine, fog, wind, snow, or the rough waters of the Bay, and he has kept that promise for 27 years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, House of Delegates concurring, that the General Assembly commend and congratulate Dr. David B. Nichols on his well-deserved recognition as Staff Care's 2006 Country Doctor of the Year award; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. David B. Nichols as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his many contributions to rural healthcare and his commitment to the citizens of Lancaster County, Tangier Island, and the Commonwealth.