Provided/Dr. Leonard Galler, center, presented the Surgical Services Department at Shore with the 16th annual Surgical Chairman’s Award for their team’s commitment to excellence. Karen Burns, RN, BSN, CNOR, Manager, Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department, accepted the award on behalf of the department.

SOMERS POINT – Medical Center’s Clinical and Administrative Chairman of the Department of Surgery Dr. Leonard Galler Nov. 16 presented the Surgical Services Department with the 16th annual Surgical Chairman’s Award during a ceremony in the board room.

This prestigious award is presented annually to a physician, nurse, organization, administrator or community member who has gone above and beyond to support Shore’s surgical programs.

The Surgical Services Department at Shore was recognized for efficiencies and proving great care to Shore’s patients, as well as their smooth adjustment to a change in leadership and continued excellence in all they do.

Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department Manager Karen Burns accepted the award on behalf of the team.

“Karen made me a better surgeon and a leader. Her smiles and her pushing and prodding kept everyone and everything in the surgical department on track and functioning at a high level,” Galler said.

The Surgical Chairman’s Award serves as a testament to Shore Medical Center’s commitment to recognizing and honoring those who go above and beyond to elevate the standards of surgical care. This year’s acknowledgment also underscores Shore’s ongoing dedication to providing unparalleled healthcare services to its community.


Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.