Cogley Named IHA Hospital Hero

On October 7, Patrick Cogley, MD, Grinnell Regional Medical Center emergency department physician, received the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes Award. Cogley was one of 11 individuals throughout the state of Iowa selected for this honor. The award recognized his excellence during specific critical situations in the GRMC emergency department as well as for his overall commitment to quality healthcare.  

“Dr. Cogley is a longstanding and distinguished provider at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. I have been privileged to know him for 14 years. I find him to be a stalwart emergency physician leader in a department that sees about 10,000 patients every year,” says Todd Linden, president and CEO at GRMC.

GRMC prides itself on employing marvelous people who make a difference through quality care and service excellence every day. This source of pride is realized each time GRMC or one if its employees are recognized for operating under a banner of excellence.

Cogley has devoted 14 years of his career helping those needing medical care in the GRMC service area. Cogley started at GRMC as an emergency room physician in 2001, after completing his medical education at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and his subsequent residency at Cox Medical Center – Family Practice Residency in Nixa, Missouri. After a short stint in the ER, he helped GRMC launch an affiliated family practice clinic in the town of Victor, Iowa—bringing access to care to the rural community. He worked in Victor from 2002 to 2004. At the end of 2004, Cogley began practicing in a private family practice clinic, Medical Associates. After four years in that practice, Cogley came full circle, returning to GRMC’s emergency department in 2008, where he continues to serve today. He is currently the acting director for the emergency department. A rural emergency department is a unique setting where the physician in charge has to be able to do it all.

“Dr. Cogley knows exactly what to do and how to get the job done, even when an emergency situation escalates, and he efficiently utilizes the capable and experienced emergency department staff. His unwavering service to GRMC makes our community safer and healthier,” adds Linden.  

According to the Iowa Hospital Association, any Iowa hospital employee or physician who has performed a heroic deed or tirelessly given of their time, talent, and expertise to improve their organization and the world around them is eligible for the Iowa Hospital Heroes Award. These leaders exemplify honesty, integrity, humility, courage, and commitment.

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From left: GRMC President and CEO, Todd Linden; 2015 Iowa Hospital Heroes recipient Patrick Cogley, MD, acting director for GRMC’s emergency department; and Ted Townsend, chair of the IHA Board.