Medical Titans Honored

Four well-respected Elkhart General physicians were recognized at the Board Honors Dinner for their leadership, dedication and medical excellence, most notably William Pletcher, M.D., who has served for 50 years. The other physicians honored were Thomas Edward Seiffert, M.D., 25 years of service; Barbara Zimmerman, M.D., 25 years of service; and Robert Tomec, M.D., 33 years of service.

Dr. Pletcher served as Chief of Medicine, Vice Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Blood Bank Committee. He has always exemplified “great concern for patients as individuals rather than just as vehicles of disease” and has influenced younger colleagues as well as other clinical associates to put the patients’ needs first, while making painstaking efforts to apply the best possible clinical knowledge. He has remained a medical fixture, volunteering at both the Elkhart and Goshen Centers for Healing and Hope. Dr. Pletcher has also been a major philanthropist to Elkhart General.

Dr. Tomec contributed significantly to the development of the lab in Michiana, serving as president of the South Bend Medical Foundation.

Dr. Zimmerman has made sizeable contributions as a physician leader to Elkhart General’s Emergency Department.

Dr. Seiffert, a respected radiologist, demonstrates great professionalism and is a terrific supporter of the community both medically and civically.

Thank you to Drs. Pletcher, Tomec, Seiffert and Zimmerman for their commitment to care that collectively spans 130 years of medical service.