[MMA News Now, May 24, 2012] MMA members Terry Pladson, M.D., and Steven Mulder, M.D. recently received awards at the Minnesota Hospital Association's (MHA) 28th annual awards ceremony recognizing patient safety, volunteerism, innovations in patient care and hospital excellence.

Pladson received the Stephen Rogness Distinguished Service Award, which is the MHA's highest honor. Pladson has worked in health care for more than three decades. During his tenure as president and CEO of CentraCare Health System in St. Cloud, the organization has seen the number of employees and revenue double. He is currently overseeing a $225 million expansion of the health system's flagship hospital - St. Cloud Hospital.

Mulder received the Patient Safety Leadership Award for his work leading the charge to improve patient safety both within his hospital and on a statewide level. Mulder, president and CEO, Hutchinson Area Health Care, leads the organization-wide patient safety initiative at Hutchinson Area Health Care where he has been instrumental in creating an infrastructure supportive of safe patient care, services and treatments.

"The achievements showcase the kind of top-quality care that typifies Minnesota hospitals," said MHA President and CEO Lawrence Massa. Eighteen awards were given for extraordinary achievement in categories ranging from public achievement and volunteerism to innovation and improvement in patient care and patient safety.

For more information, visit the MHA website.