HOUSTON (October 06, 2008)

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recognized Harparminder Chadha, MD, TeamHealth medical director at Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, as a "Hero of Emergency Medicine."

Celebrating ACEP's 40th anniversary, the organization recognized emergency physicians who have made significant contributions to emergency medicine, their communities and their patients.

"The dedication, passion and commitment Dr. Chadha has shown embodies the vision of ACEP's founders and the ideals of our specialty," says ACEP President Dr. Linda L. Lawrence.

Dr. Chadha was noted for guiding a busy, high-acuity emergency department through the transition from another management group to TeamHealth in June 2007. During that transition, the team decreased bed-to-provider times from 160 minutes to less than 15 minutes, increased patient satisfaction from the 3rd percentile to the 66th percentile, decreased the left-without-treatment rate from 11 percent to less than 6 percent and reduced door-to-intervention times for acute and minor patients from 160 minutes to 61 minutes.

These accomplishments are a credit to Dr. Chadha's collaborative leadership and the value he places on working inclusively with all disciplines, gaining from the contributions and input of everyone involved in the care delivery process. He works closely with fellow physician colleagues and mid-level providers, the departmental nursing director, the hospital administrative team and the medical staff.

Along with being home to a "Hero of Emergency Medicine," Memorial Hermann Northwest also takes pride in having one of the lowest nursing turnover rates in the region and excellent staff satisfaction.