Swaim, Newlin Honored by Union Hospital

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Category: News & Events

Created on Friday, 09 November 2012 19:28

Frank Swaim, M.D., and Laurice Newlin, RN, were honored recently at the 21st annual presentation of Union Hospital Foundation’s Weinbaum and Baur Awards. The Weinbaum and Baur awards, presented to two individuals annually, are the highest honors given by Union Hospital Foundation. The recipients were honored for their many contributions and leadership to the hospital and patients.The Weinbaum Award, established by Union Hospital Foundation in memory of Dr. Jack Weinbaum, celebrates Weinbaum’s 33-year tenure for outstanding service to Union Hospital and inspiring quality care to its patients. Recipients of the award are members of the medical staff who have made contributions to Union Hospital and its mission.The 2012 Weinbaum Award, presented to Frank Swaim, M.D. of Union Hospital Clinton, is annually presented to a member of the medical staff of Union Hospital or Union Hospital Clinton who has provided outstanding service to the practice of medicine and demonstrated leadership in establishing innovative services, improving the quality of care to patients and providing education to the medical and dental staff or hospital personnel. 

Dr. Swaim started his family practice in 1967, following graduation from the IU School of Medicine and serving as Captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Dr. Swaim dedicated his life to improving health care and access to medical services in Parke and Vermillion Counties. He was a pioneer in the introduction and effective use of nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants to help meet the needs of patients in rural areas. Dr. Swaim still manages a full office practice across two counties and adds luster to the rich tradition of the Weinbaum Award.

“Dr. Swaim still makes house calls, carrying his little black bag like a figure from a Norman Rockwell painting,” said Gregory Brock, M.D. of Union Hospital Clinton. “He is a vanishing breed of physicians and he richly deserved this recognition for his life work and passion.”    

The Baur Award was established by Union Hospital Foundation to recognize exceptional leadership and contributions by people who serve as an employee or a volunteer of the Union Hospital Health System. The award is named after Sister Johanna Baur who served as the first head nurse and the first superintendent of Union Hospital.The Baur Award is given to a person who has provided outstanding service as evidenced by contribution of time, expertise to improve patient care or other aspects of the hospitals service to their respective communities, contributions to establish new programs or services and leadership of the operations and management of Union Hospital.  

Laurice Newlin, RN, the 2012 Baur Award recipient, started her career when she joined Union Hospital in 1974. Laurice has served as a mentor, educator, advisor and friend to countless healthcare students. As Union Hospital’s nurse recruiter, she has become an exceptional advocate for the hospital and leads the efforts to attract and retain the best and brightest nurses available.

Laurice spearheaded the creation of the Nurse Extern program in 2003 and worked to revitalize the program in 2011. The program recruits nursing students in their final year of a four year program and provides them experience in every aspect of patient care. Her energy extends beyond Union Hospital into our community as she serves organizations such as Camp Bluebird, VNA/Hospice of the Wabash Valley and the United Way.

“Laurice is tireless in her work at the Hospital,” said Sally Zuel, Vice President of Human Resources at Union Hospital. “Her work is extremely distinguished and she shares her passion for life with everyone she touches.”

For more information about the Weinbaum and Baur awards or Union Hospital Foundation, contact Joel Harbaugh, Executive Director, by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. " or phone at (812) 238-7534.

The mission of the Union Hospital Foundation is to support advances in medical care that benefit the patients served by Union Hospital and initiatives that promote the health and wellness for those residents who live in the Wabash Valley.

The Foundation fulfills this mission by raising charitable gifts and grants, providing effective stewardship for gifts received and by awarding grants to Union Hospital and to select other organizations through which improvements in medical care and community health are realized. The Union Hospital Foundation receives charitable support from individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations who share the Foundation's vision for a healthy, vital community.