The Jim Struthers
 Award of Excellence

Jim Struthers was one of us! A hard working BMET, who was struck down with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly know as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The members of the North Central Biomedical Association have chosen to name an award after Jim. The following article was written by Susan Finney, Vice-President of the NCBA, after 1998 interview with Jim.

"Jim's story"

In March of 1996 Jim began to have difficulty with one of his legs, Initially he thought it might have had something to do with his foot healing from a previous injury. As time went by his condition continued to deteriorate, Jim's speech became slurred and his gait was off. Although it was unclear for several months what was happening to Jim, by August he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

This Neuromuscular disease slowly steals muscle strength and function while the mind remains sharp. Jim has worked at North Memorial Medical Center (NMMC) Biomedical Engineering Department for the last 18 years. Jim's work at NMMC has been highly valued. Jim was responsible for designing and installing the Cardiac Cath Lab and was heavily involved with organizing of 37 system installations for the new Patient Care Center. Jim's duties included being responsible for the maintenance of all the Anesthesia Departments equipment. He was clinically involved with Dr. Yap assisting in Stereotactic Neuro procedures and in the Electro Physiology lab working with Dr. Simonson.

North Memorial Medical Center, Jim's colleagues, and Courage Center have worked together to provide Jim with a computer and other special equipment so Jim could continue to be a resource, use his brilliant mind, and find purpose and accomplishment while providing valuable expertise to NMMC. Jim was also heavily involved with North Central Biomedical Association. He was on the 1st annual seminar planning committee in 1994 as well as 1995, and 1996, Jim was the "Master of Ceremony" at the 1994 seminar, He taught a class on Capnography at the 1995 seminar, and has been instrumental in the development and growth of the NCBA. By the smile on Jim Struthers’ face as he wheels up to his new computer system, you would never realize that he is fighting a courageous battle with ALS. A few words from Jim; The first problem I had was slurred speech. My co-workers at NMMC and friends wondered if I had been drinking. However I knew I was in trouble.

The Neuro Surgeon I worked with was very concerned. I was finally diagnosed with ALS in August 1996. ALS is a terminal disease with a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years. By January 1997 I was in a wheel chair, now I can no longer talk and can only move, my right arm and head a few inches. I was told in October of 1997 I had 6 to 12 months to live, but those Doctors don't know everything! Family, friends and co-workers help me cope with day to day struggles. NMMC has been very supportive and helpful; I still wear scrubs (Jim was wearing scrubs for this interview). I am looking forward to the next NCBA seminar! Jim Struthers (Continued on page two) If you would like to converse with Jim his E-mail address is jstrut@minn.net and his home address is "4604 W. 56th St. Edina, MN. 55424".

It's easy to see Jim Struthers as a role model for all Biomeds Jim has shown skilled and thoughtful leadership throughout his career. He has devoted his time and energy by being available for the NCBA. His ethics and character have always been beyond reproach. In recognition of Jim’s contribution to the Biomedical field, and the North Central Biomedical Association we are proud to present the first: "Struthers Award or Excellence" Nominations for the 1998 "Struthers Award of Excellence" are now being taken.

The award will be presented at the 5th annual NCBA seminar September 11th 1998. Nominees must have demonstrated devoted leadership and service to the Biomedical Community. Giving time, energy and availability to ensure the growth and development of not only to their immediate surroundings, but also to the entire Biomedical community.

The Jim Struthers Award of Excellence will be presented at the 2008 NCBA annual fall seminar, to an individual who has worked hard, and contributed to our biomedical community. We also know that there are a lot of you who know of someone deserving this award. If you know of such a person, then it's time to nominate them for this award.

1. Nominees name, address, phone number and employer.
2. Why you feel he/she deserves this award, with examples of merit.
3. Your name (Nominator), address, phone number and your employer.

Send the award nomination to:
The Struther’s Award of Excellence is an honor bestowed to a NCBA member every September. Please consider nominating a co-worker, manager, friend who deserves to be recognized for his/her work in the biomedical/clinical engineering field. Send your nominations to Rodney Severson at rseverson@mayo.edu .

 

Past Struther’s Award winners

1998 - Dave Pedersen
1999 - Jim Skipper
2000 – Sue Finney
2001 – Vickie Snyder
2002 – Deborah Schweigert
2003 – Ray Nielsen
2005 – Bob Tholand
2006 – Rodney Severson and Jennifer Kriske