Posted: Sunday, January 3, 2010 8:34 am

Dr. Benjamin Carson

The Middle Tennessee Medical Center Foundation announces nationally renowned physician, author and speaker Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson as the guest speaker of the 2010 Rutherford Society Gala.

Carson is a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md. and is a former member of President George W. Bush’s President’s Council on Bioethics.

The 2010 Rutherford Society Gala will be held Jan. 16 at the Stones River Country Club.

“This is a great opportunity to meet an individual who has succeeded against all odds, not only influencing those around him, but having a profound affect on the medical society throughout the world,” said MTMC Vice President of Medical Affairs Andy Brown, MD.

Dr. Carson's life story is well known because of the book about his life, “The Gifted Hands” which was made into a movie in 2009 starring Cuba Gooding Jr.

Some of Carson’s numerous achievements include the first separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins joined at the back of the head in 1987 and receiving the 2006 Spingarn Medal which is the highest honor bestowed by the NAACP. In 2008, Carson was presented with the Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal by President Bush at the White House and was also awarded by the President with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor in the US.

Carson has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Leaders” by U.S. News & World Report and Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership, and in 2001 he was named by CNN and TIME Magazine as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists.

The Rutherford Society Gala is an annual event held to recognize donors of $1,000 or more to the MTMC Foundation. The first-class affair features nationally known speakers which have previously included former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Mark Schultz.

The 2010 Gala Co-Chairs are Kathy and Pat Ryan and Angela and John Floyd. The Gala’s Planning Committee Chair is Joyce Taylor. For more information on the Foundation or to join the Rutherford Society, contact Jeana Campbell at 615-396-4996.

About The MTMC Foundation

The MTMC Foundation was formed to promote awareness in the community on the quality of services that are offered at MTMC. The Foundation also receives and manages philanthropic gifts which further the hospital’s ministry. These gifts allow for grants to be made through various funds including the New Building Fund, C. H. Hunt Indigent Patient Care Fund, Cancer Fund, Dispensary of Hope Fund, Friends of Nursing Fund, Heart Fund, MTMC Associate Benevolence Fund and many others.

In 2008, the Foundation gave a record amount in grants to the hospital. These grants include $100,000 for the purchase of a 40 slice CT Scanner, which improves image quality and detail, shortening the patient’s wait time. Other significant grants include funding for a new EKG transmitter and portable ultrasound in the ER, three power injectors for the cath lab, a new computer workstation in the Cancer Center and numerous pieces of equipment for the Wellness Center’s cardiac rehab program.

The Foundation also receives support through two active and generous groups:

MTMC Ambassadors: The Ambassadors is a 150 member group of women that serves to promote MTMC and help raise funds for various projects, such as a recent $100,000 gift to the New Building Fund for a conference room in the new hospital replacement facility. The Ambassadors also hold several events such as an annual health education program, a Cinco de Mayo party and a Wine and Cheese Social to raise money for the Associate Benevolence Fund.

Rutherford Society: The Rutherford Society is a group of leading individuals who share a commitment to enriching the health and quality of life for the citizens of Murfreesboro and surrounding communities by supporting MTMC. A minimum contribution of $1,000 in the calendar year earns the distinction of being recognized as a member of the Rutherford Society.

All Society members are honored at the annual Rutherford Society Gala. This first-class affair features nationally known speakers which have previously included former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and contemporary Christian singer and songwriter Mark Schultz.

For more information on the Foundation or to join the Ambassadors or Rutherford Society, contact Jeana Campbell at 615-396-4996.