Fort Wayne, Ind. – Tuesday, Mar. 9, 2010 — Parkview Hospital officials today announced that Dr. Christian Bridgwater has been named the new medical director for the Parkview Samaritan flight program.
Dr. Bridgwater is a board certified emergency medicine physician with Professional Emergency Physicians, who provide emergency medical care to patients at hospitals in the Parkview Health system.
Dr. Bridgwater earned a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. He went on to receive a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Mo. He completed his emergency medicine residency at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, and served as a flight physician for their Life Flight aero-medical program.
Dr. Bridgwater replaces Dr. Gerry Easterday, who is retiring as medical director of the Samaritan program after 18 years of service.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Bridgwater in this important leadership position,” said Sue Ehinger, chief operating officer, Parkview Hospital. “The Samaritan program is a vital service that provides life-saving care to patients in need. Dr. Bridgwater’s background in emergency medicine and experience as a flight physician makes him a great fit with the Samaritan team. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Easterday for his many years of service and dedication to the Samaritan program.”
Parkview recently celebrated the 20-year anniversary for the Parkview Samaritan flight program. Since November 1989, the Samaritan crew has provided life-saving medical care and transportation to 17,143 area residents during some of the most difficult times in their lives.