Doctors on the Diamond Wins Big With Physicians

Progress West HealthCare Center affiliated physicians battled it out under hot and hazy skies for ultimate bragging rights at the third annual "Doctors on the Diamond" softball game. The game took place at T.R. Hughes Baseball Stadium in O'Fallon, Missouri prior to the River City Rascals' match-up.

Like in previous years, the physicians were split into two teams based upon their specialty, medical or surgical. The game was scoreless for the first three innings before the bats warmed up, thanks in part to physicians David Fouts, MD, emergency medicine, and Chak Lattanand, MD, anesthesiology, each hit a homerun. Ultimately, victory belonged to the medical staff, who defeated the surgical team 8-4.

Dr. Fouts went on to win the MVP award for multiple RBIs and great defensive plays at short stop for the medical team. Sean McIntosh, DO, family practice (medical), earned the award for "Play of the Game" with a skillful unassisted double play at first base while Heather Wuebker, MD, obstetrics & gynecology (surgical), received "Best Sportsmanship" for her cheerful attitude and determination.

"We had a fantastic time playing ball," says Dr. Fouts. "It was a great opportunity to get together with colleagues and families on the field and share some laughs. A good time was had by all . . . and the surgeons are already looking for a rematch."

Progress West marketing & communication manager Barbara McLaurine attended the game as a spectator and score-keeper. "Doctors on the Diamond is a great way for members of the Progress West Medical Staff to come together for a friendly but competitive game of softball," says McLaurine. "Their families and our staff come out and cheer them on. It's nice to see the camaraderie developing among some physicians who had previously never worked together."

The medical team included: Dr. Fouts, Dr. McIntosh, Michael Chen, MD, obstetrics & gynecology, James Gerst, MD, pediatrics, Justin Ranes, MD, pulmonary & critical care, Susan Reeds, MD, internal medicine, Rick Tao, MD, emergency services, and last minute stand-in Valerie Schulz, PWHC physician relations.

The surgical line-up included: Dr. Lattanand, Dr. Wuebker, Carson Agee, MD, general surgery, Harry Burack, MD, gastroenterology, Brandon Larkin, MD, pediatric sports medicine, John Park, MD, otolaryngology, John Antes, PWHC president, and last minute stand-in and husband of Dr. Wuebker, Ralph Wuebker, MD, pediatrics.

After the Doctors on the Diamond softball game, physicians and their families enjoyed food and refreshments while cheering the River City Rascals as they took on the Evansville Otters. Progress West is the presenting sponsor of the River City Rascals.