The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association awarded the second annual Nap Gary Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement in the ASC Community at their annual meeting.
Industry pioneer Alsie Sydness-Fitzgerald, RN, CASC, received the award. Here are five tings to know:
1. Ms. Sydness-Fitzgerald's career in the ASC industry spans more than 50 years, first working for a hospital-based ASC in 1976.
2. Four years a she first joined an ASC, Ms. Sydness-Fitzgerald was part of a team to achieve state approval for the freestanding ASC she helped design.
3. Medical 21, which later became Medical Care International, purchased the center where Ms. Sydness-Fitzgerald worked and she became a regional director for the company. HCA eventually purchased Medical Care International and Ms. Sydness-Fitzgerald became director of clinical operations for the company's ambulatory surgery division.
4. Upon retiring in 2005, Ms. Sydness-Fitzgerald remained a surveyor for AAAHC and consulted with ASCs across the country.
5. In addition to her work with ASCs, Ms. Sydness-Fitzgerald held several roles at ASCA, including president of the board of directors. She continues to counsel and advise the association.