Bill Text: VA SJR281 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia Senate Joint Resolution 281 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commending David B. Nichols.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Passed) 2011-03-07 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ281ER) [SJR281 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2011-SJR281-Enrolled.html

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 281 Commending David B. Nichols. Agreed to by the Senate, January 13, 2011 Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 21, 2011

WHEREAS, Dr. David B. Nichols was recognized by Staff Care as the first Country Doctor of the Decade in 2010; and

WHEREAS, the Country Doctor of the Decade, sponsored by Staff Care, recognizes the recipient's continuing contributions to rural health care and is presented to a physician who best exemplifies the spirit, skill, and dedication of America's rural medical practitioners; and

WHEREAS, for the past 31 years, Dr. Nichols has traveled weekly by way of his personal plane, a helicopter, chartered aircraft, or if weather required, by a two-hour one-way car and boat trip to Tangier Island to provide necessary health services to the residents; and

WHEREAS, known for his quiet manner and compassionate nature, Dr. Nichols developed close relationships with the residents of Tangier Island and emphasized education and preventative medicine in his practice to maintain and increase the health of his patients; and

WHEREAS, committed to quality health care for his patients, Dr. Nichols saw the need for a more modern facility on the remote island and with the help of others, raised money for a new, state-of-the-art medical center; and

WHEREAS, on August 29, 2010, the new medical center, known as the David B. Nichols Medical Center, was dedicated; and

WHEREAS, the day of the dedication of the new facility was marked by a tremendous turnout of Tangier Island residents who wished to celebrate the opening of the center and express their appreciation to Dr. Nichols for his decades of care and service to the community; and

WHEREAS, diagnosed with terminal cancer several months ago, Dr. Nichols has made arrangements with Riverside Medical Group so that the residents of Tangier Island will continue to receive quality health care; and

WHEREAS, a humble and gifted physician, Dr. Nichols' remarkable devotion to duty over the course of his professional career has improved the health and quality of life for his patients while his kindness and compassion have touched their hearts; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Dr. Nichols has been supported in all his endeavors over the years by his loving wife, Dianne, and children, Davey and Sarah; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate David B. Nichols for his selection as Staff Care's Country Doctor of the Decade; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to David B. Nichols as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for his extraordinary devotion to the health and welfare of the residents of Tangier Island.