Fisher House ceremony honors Wright-Patt surgeon Published Dec. 16, 2014 By Gina Marie Giardina 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio-- -- Maj. (Dr.) Michael Palmer, an orthopedic surgeon at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center, was selected as the 2014 recipient of the Broxson Award by the Fisher Houses on base. This award is given annually to an individual or group at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center who have gone above and beyond to provide care to patients and their families residing at one of the two Fisher Houses. Col. (Dr.) Timothy Ballard, 88th Medical Group commander, presented this award during a ceremony and open house at Fisher House II on Dec. 9. "Dr. Palmer's selection by the Fisher House guests for this year's Broxson Award is appropriate," Ballard said. "His compassionate approach to healthcare, especially orthopedics, helps to alleviate his patients' fears. He ensures that the patient receives all necessary information to make decisions on their courses of action and treatment." The Broxson Award is named after its first award recipient, Dr. Emmet Broxson. Broxson was the Pediatric Specialty Clinic director at the base's medical center from 1988 to 1996. This award is highly regarded because the patients and their families nominate the individual(s). "Throughout the year, guests of the Fisher Houses nominate an individual(s) from the Wright-Patterson Medical Center who they feel has gone above and beyond in providing outstanding care and compassion throughout their medical journey," explained Karen Healea, Fisher House manager. Palmer was nominated by several guests of the Fisher Houses. "To be selected for this award is just amazing," Palmer said. "I'm honored and humbled, and it's even more special because the patients choose the recipient." A few of the Broxson award nominations stated that Palmer is "an amazing doctor" and that he goes above and beyond by providing "excellent communication" to patients that are going through stressful medical procedures. "I think that it's important to be able to maintain perspective when caring for patients; I always try to see a situation from the patient's perspective," said Palmer. "Seeing the doctor, undergoing surgery, being involved in an accident -- these are all scary situations for people. "Sometimes, I think that as physicians, we overlook these issues because we see things on a daily basis," he continued. "Spending a few extra minutes talking to patients as we would a friend or relative, or just acknowledging their feelings, makes a huge impact on trust in that relationship. Palmer was quick to articulate the influence that his family has had on his career. "My mother and sister are both nurses and groomed me from the beginning of my career on the importance of treating people (patients and coworkers) with the up-most respect that they deserve. It has made a huge difference in my short career and is the best advice that I've ever received." A native of Pittsburgh, Penn., Palmer completed his undergraduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University and was a kicker and punter for the football team. He was commissioned in 2004, attended medical school at Drexel University in Philadelphia, and then completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital back in Pittsburgh before being stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in July. "I always wanted to be 'the team doctor' when I grew up and couldn't play sports anymore," said Palmer about his choice to specialize in orthopedics. "When I was a medical student, I got hooked on orthopedics the first time that I took care of poly-trauma patients with broken bones and dislocated joints." His wife, Dr. Jacquelyn Palmer, is doing a Surgical Breast Oncology Fellowship at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte. Although his family is miles away in Pittsburgh and Charlotte, Palmer seems to have found his own home away from home at the Wright-Patt Medical Center.