Dr. Pelzel receives 2019 Caduceus Award
Jamie Pelzel, MD, cardiologist in the CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center, was honored on Oct. 3 with the Caduceus Award at LaGratitude, the CentraCare Foundation Board of Directors annual recognition event. This award, presented by the Caduceus Society, recognizes the outstanding work of Central Minnesota physicians who exhibit humanitarian medical efforts locally or around the world.
Dr. Pelzel was recognized because of his compassion as a physician, his ability to be a successful leader and his passion to be a humanitarian, living his mission in the world.
According to CentraCare Foundation Vice President Brad Konkler, “Dr. Pelzel serves our CentraCare patients with expertise and empathy, and he is a dedicated physician and respected leader. His innovation and leadership have made enormous contributions to our Heart & Vascular Center, making him a true ambassador for CentraCare and the care we provide. And his humanitarian efforts, locally and internationally, emphasize his commitment to caring for those in need. Our Caduceus Committee was proud to present this award to Dr. Pelzel.”
LaGratitude was also a time to thank the philanthropic leaders for their generous support of the Central Minnesota community. This year's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing benefactors for their years of giving and service to CentraCare, was presented to Al & Yvonne Kremers. The Service to the Foundation Award was given to Fr. Ken Thielman for his immeasurable impact and service to Central Minnesota.
About Dr. Pelzel
- CentraCare’s Heart Failure Program Director since its inception 7 years ago; program offers a full‐time heart failure hospital service and a comprehensive heart failure clinic including monthly Heart Failure Support Groups held in the community.
- Started the first Shared Care program for LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) patients in St. Cloud 9 years ago.
- Instrumental in developing the Mechanical Circulatory Support program at St. Cloud Hospital.
- Implanted the first CardioMEMS Device in St. Cloud in 2015 to kick off CentraCare’s Advanced Heart Failure Program.
- Humanitarian, charitable and volunteer work includes:
- International humanitarian efforts (Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania)
- Dr. Pelzel’s family, including his wife and children, have travelled together on medical and community mission trips
- Charitable & volunteer contributions include support of Cathedral High School, Salvation Army, Send Them Forward (Twin Cities sustainable and affordable housing program), Loving Shephard Ministry (in Haiti), Harvest Call, and Lifesong for Orphans (in Haiti and Tanzania).
About the Caduceus Society
The Caduceus Society is a philanthropic guild of the CentraCare Health Foundation. This society is open to Central Minnesota practicing and retired medical staff who make a gift to support the Foundation’s mission of improving health and health care. Learn more about the Caduceus Society