For more than 35 years, the Award has been given to the physician who best embodies Fuller’s commitment to patient care, teaching, and community.
Elisabeth Dellon, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Children’s Supportive Care Team, was honored with this year’s H. Fleming Fuller Award. The award was presented on May 15 during a meeting of the UNC Health Board of Directors.
The H. Fleming Fuller Award was established in 1986 as a permanent memorial to Fuller whose practice in Kinston, NC, spanned nearly 50 years. As a leader in obstetrics and gynecology, Fuller used his platform to advocate for women’s health at the state and national levels. He was a founding member of the North Carolina Memorial Hospital’s Board of Directors as well as founder and president of the North Carolina Cancer Society.
For more than 35 years, the Award has been given to the physician who best embodies Fuller’s commitment to patient care, teaching, and community. After several years of virtual award ceremonies, members of the Fuller family were able to attend the ceremony and spend time with Dellon as well as UNC Health leaders and members of the Board of Directors.
“Dr. Dellon is the perfect embodiment of the traits that this award is meant to celebrate,” said Janet Hadar, President of UNC Hospitals.
In 2012, Dellon was instrumental in the launch of UNC Children’s Hospitals’ multi-disciplinary pediatric palliative care program. In accepting the award, Dellon crediting the large team who comes together each day to support and care for patients and families affected by serious illness.
Dellon highlighted the privileges of caring for seriously ill children and their families and the critical roles of all providers and staff in the children’s hospital. “To care for children with palliative care needs in the hospital, our team partners with referring medical teams, nurses, care managers, social workers, chaplains, child life specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, language interpreters, hospital school teachers, and volunteers. And let’s not forget our incredible dining services staff, environmental services staff, medical transport team, the list goes on” Dellon said. “All of these people take time to get to know children and families and support and care for them. All of them have tremendous skills and dedication and hearts for the work they do. They are truly incredible.”
She also called on those in attendance to support “the village” who work tirelessly to care for patients and families.
“I have benefited tremendously from this village of colleagues and am determined to do everything I can to help keep it strong,” Dellon said.
Stephanie Davis, MD, praised Dellon in her introduction at the ceremony as well as in her award nomination.
“Dr. Dellon is one of the most compassionate, mission-focused, servant physician leaders; she always focuses on the families, their needs and serves as an incredible model for others,” Davis said.