The Excellence in Care Award

The Vascular Disease Foundation is pleased to announce the first recipients of the "Vascular Disease Foundation Excellence in Care Award." Congratulations to:

Charles Kiell, MD
Dr. Kiell is a vascular surgeon and also serves as medical director for the Wound Treatment Center at Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, NC. He was nominated by co-workers who consider themselves lucky that they have a vascular surgeon who "exemplifies outstanding patient care with the levels of his credentials in our community." He has implemented new patient care policies and procedures and has been the driving force behind our intermittent claudication program. He also has been instrumental in educating the community about the health risks of AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm). One colleague wrote, "Dr. Kiell is extremely knowledgeable, always on the cutting edge of research and program advancements… his willingness to explore and exhaust all possibilities is only surpassed by his personal care for the individuals he treats."

Christina M. Braun, R.N.
"Tina" Braun was nominated by fifteen co-workers and patients at the Providence Surgical Care Group in Providence, RI. Tina is the principal coordinator of the Vascular Exercise Program. Besides the exemplary care she shows her patients, she has also written several papers and articles on the value of exercise therapy for intermittent claudication. Her patients speak of her dedication, her depth of knowledge and her sense of humor. As one man wrote, "Tina has provided care and attention far beyond the 'call of duty' during my several years in the vascular rehab program. There is no detail too small for her concern… a sick grandchild, offer congratulations or provide a favorite 'tune' to exercise with. All of this is in addition to the amazing nursing care she provides."

You can read additional comments for award recipients on our web site at www.vdf.org, click on "Excellence in Care Awards" on our home page.

To nominate a health care professional for our "Excellence in Care Award," send us a note or email with a tax-deductible donation telling us who you wish to honor and why they deserve the recognition. Checks or credit card charges of any amount are accepted. Be sure to identify the honoree's name, address and phone number so we can send them their award. Also send us your name and address so we can thank you as well!