Dr. John A. McGurty Honored at HVHC before Third Deployment

A man referred to as a hero to his co-workers, patients, family, friends and fellow military service members was honored today at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Dr. McGurty, Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Director of Emergency Medicine from 1996-2003, has served tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a U.S. Navy reservist and Medical Corps Captain. He returns overseas later this month for his third military deployment in recent years.

“This is a humbling experience,” said McGurty, who was described as a sincere and honorable man by his colleagues. “I am very grateful to the hospital and the EMA to make this possible.”

About 75 people-nurses, doctors, emergency personnel, representatives from the New York State police and U.S. Marine Corps, veterans, and local officials Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster and Town of Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi-packed the hospital’s lobby at noon today for a ceremony unveiling of a commemorative plaque. It will be placed outside of the hospital’s new Dr. John A. McGurty Jr. Conference room.

“As a former Director of Emergency Medicine and a practicing physician here in the community for many years, Dr. McGurty has been a highly respected and integral part of this Hospital,’’ said Hudson Valley Hospital Center President John Federspiel. “We are very proud of his service to the community, and more importantly, his service to his country.’’

Dr. McGurty will be working at the hospital until he leaves for central command later this week.

The conference room tribute was sponsored by Emergency Medical Associates, the physicians group which cares for Hospital Emergency Room patients.