Oct. 2, 2012: Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (left) presents the award to Dr. John Barstis.

[HMNMH] – John Barstis, MD, medical director of the cancer program at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, and a longtime member of the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, has been named the recipient of the Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon Healthcare Leadership Award for his significant contributions to the hospital, and to his profession.

The Healthcare Leadership Award was created by Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in 2006 to honor individuals or companies who exemplify the hospital’s values and who support the mission to improve the health of our community through compassion and excellence in healthcare services.

The inaugural Healthcare Leadership Award was presented to Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon in 2006 for his consistent and demonstrated support for quality healthcare in the Santa Clarita Valley. His advocacy for federal support for trauma services and hospital expansion has been important in the progress of healthcare in the Santa Clarita Valley, as has his leadership and guidance as a past member and chairman of the Hospital Board of Directors.

Congressman McKeon presented this year’s award to Dr. Barstis during a special ceremony on Oct. 2 at the Valencia Country Club.

“The doctors at Henry Mayo, as exemplified by our honoree tonight, are truly dedicated to their patients,” McKeon said.

In addition, on behalf of Supervisor Mike Antonovich’s office, Dave Perry presented Dr. Barstis with a certificate of appreciation.

“I am honored to present this to you,” Perry said. “Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is a cornerstone of this community and it will continue to expand and be even more important. Dr. Barstis, your commitment goes above and beyond your doctor’s office.”

On behalf of Assemblyman Cameron Smyth and Senator Sharon Runner, Scott Hounsell, a representative of Assemblyman Smyth, presented Dr. Barstis with a certificate of recognition.

In accepting the awards, Dr. Barstis commended the hospital’s progress, its cancer program the cancer clinic staff, and the community.

“It’s been an interesting journey for me,” Dr. Barstis said. “I’ve been here since 1979 and the things we’ve done at the hospital have been wonderful. The community here is extraordinary. I love my patients and it’s a wonderful place to practice.”

Dr. Barstis is a well-known and well-loved cancer physician who is sought out consistently from current and former patients. He has been described as caring, compassionate and helpful, and “God’s gift to cancer patients.” Since he started at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in 1979, under his guidance and advocacy, the cancer program has grown into a top-rated program.

Dr. Barstis is medical director of the cancer program at Henry Mayo, and has served on the Hospital Board of Directors from 1995 to 2008. He is also director of Henry Mayo’s Breast Conference, Tumor Board, Cancer Committee and Institutional Review Committee. His past awards include the James A. Gibson Anatomical Award, Susan Komen Local Hero Award for Community Education in the SCV and Legacy of Hope Award from the American Cancer Society.

In addition to professional and volunteer services, Dr. Barstis’ philanthropic gift commitments to Henry Mayo support the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, Emergency and Trauma Services and the Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Barstis consistently supports Henry Mayo in its mission to improve the health of our community through compassion and excellence in healthcare services. His extraordinary commitment is a testament to his ongoing generosity, talent, and dedication to the importance of quality healthcare services and programs.

Past recipients of the Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon Healthcare Leadership Award include Roberta Veloz, 2007; Gary Cusumano, 2008; Vinod Assomull, MD, 2009; Linda Hafizi, 2010; and James Hicken, 2011. For additional information on the Award, please contact Diana Vose, President, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation at (661)200-1200.

ABOUT HENRY MAYO

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is a 238- bed not-for-profit acute care hospital serving the Santa Clarita Valley since 1975. Services include trauma, emergency, intensive care, neonatal intensive care unit, maternity, surgery, nursing, wound care, behavioral health, and acute rehab, as well as cancer, cardiology, imaging, lab, digestive, respiratory services and physical and occupational therapies. Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is located at 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355-2083. For more information, visit www.henrymayo.com or call 661-253-8000.