A 1978 graduate of Fort Dale Academy was recently chosen as a regional winner of a statewide contest honoring Alabama's most dedicated healthcare professionals.

Tom Farrar, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Herndon of Greenville and the late Dr. William B. Farrar of Montgomery, works as a nurse anesthetist at Troy Regional Medical Center.

He was one of ten area hospital employees honored by the Alabama Hospital Association during a reception hosted by the Southeast Regional Council of the Alabama Hospital Association, held on Jan. 10 at Flowers Hospital in Dothan.

Farrar began his health care career as an ASN at Stabler Hospital in Greenville. As an RN, he served as director of nursing for Crenshaw County Hospital in Luverne.

Farrar completed his requirements to become a CRNA in Dothan, obtaining a master's of science degree in foundations of education.

According to an article in the January 18 edition of The Troy Messenger, the veteran nurse anesthetist was unaware he had been nominated for the Health Care Heroes Award.

&#8220I feel very fortunate to have been selected,” he said. &#8220It is a very humbling experienceŠbut it is satisfying at the same time to have my 20-plus years of service in the health-care field recognized.”

Farrar told the Messenger the award was not something he actively pursued.

&#8220I don't think that any one of us in the health-care field go out and try to win awards,” he said.

&#8220We are just content to do our jobs and remain behind the scenes, and we believe that the contributions that we make are very valuable.”

Farrar entered the health-care field after attending college for two years &#8220and accomplishing nothing.”

He decided to try nursing - a field few men were entering in 1983 - and found he liked the profession so much he wasn't satisfied with an associate's degree.

In addition to his work at the hospital, Farrar has also participated over the past two years in a medical mission trip to Honduras to assist with surgeries in an underdeveloped area. He took his wife and three of his children along on the last trip.

The family is an active part of Park United Methodist Church, and Farrar also serves on the board of PLAS.

TRMC marketing director Karen Herring, who nominated Farrar for the award, said, &#8220Tom serves as a great example of being committed to quality care at TRMC while still being active in the lives of his children and the community.”

Farrar said two rewards of his profession stand clear.

&#8220When I see a young mother in a store and she recognizes me as the one who administered her epidural and wants me to see her baby, I really enjoy that,” he said.

&#8220And, when I talk to the family members of a critical case and tell them that, with God's help, we did a good job and that their loved one is doing as good as could be expected, I enjoy that.”

Dedication to others is what motivates health-care workers, Farrar said.

&#8220That comes from family background, from families who believe that service to others is more important than anything. The people who set examples for us are the only ones who truly deserve awards.”