Beebe Medical Foundation Honors Dr. Palekar for Years of Philanthropic Service
Bhaskar Palekar, MD, joined Beebe Healthcare’s Medical Staff in July of 1977 and has made a lifelong impact on the healthcare system and community in his many years of service. His service was honored on Monday at Fish On restaurant in Lewes, as the Beebe Medical Foundation presented him with the 2022 Physician Philanthropy Award in honor of his generosity. Throughout his career, Dr. Palekar has always been available for Foundation functions, including the patient referrals, presentations and talks, and membership in the 1916 Club. He a past President of the Medical Staff and Chairman of the Board of Directors, alongside many other positions and accolades.
“It was my honor to celebrate the two loves of Dr. Palekar, medicine and humankind,” said Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation. “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 on Monday, which also included a surprise tribute from the Office of the Governor, signed by Gov. John Carney and Lt. Governor 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 David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “He has dedicated his life to Sussex County and the wellbeing of its people.”
Michele Rollins, a grateful patient and first Board Chair of the Beebe Medical Foundation, also joined in the celebration. She shared that, “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.”
Dr. Palekar is widely known for “patient clubs.” Years ago, Dr Palekar started his “90’s Club,” in which he currently has more than 45 patients who have reached their 90th birthday, with over 150 inducted along the years. He also proudly started “Dr Palekar’s Centurion Club” and is currently celebrating 6 members who are over 100 years of age. They all look forward to receiving their induction certificate at their visit.
“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 Dr. 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!”