SYLACAUGA — A quiet, unassuming physician who cares deeply for his patients has been recognized for his dedication to the health care industry.Dr. William C. Friday Jr. was honored by the Alabama Hospital Association as a “Health Care Hero”. The presentation of the award was made Thursday night by Glenn Sisk, president and CEO of Coosa Valley Medical Center, on behalf of the association.
The award was one of many accolades Friday received during a retirement reception held in his honor at the medical center.
Friday retired at the end of December after providing health care to the citizens of Sylacauga and the surrounding area for 30 years.
This was the fourth year the association has chosen statewide “Health Care Heroes,” an effort to honor the dedication of health care workers in the state and to highlight health careers. Ten Birmingham-based hospital employees received the awards. An overall winner will be chosen to be recognized in February.
Friday began his career as an orderly at what was then called Sylacauga Hospital. His father, the late William C. Friday Sr., was a longtime doctor in the community.
The younger Friday later went to medical school, then came back to start his practice, a practice that has lasted more than 30 years.
It is said his name has become synonymous with quality health care among his patients and colleagues in his hometown.
“I hear daily from Dr. Friday’s patients about his skill as a diagnostician, his ability to communicate clearly a patient’s plan of care, and his caring, compassionate bedside manner,” said Glenn Winter, director of pastoral care at Coosa Valley Medical Center.
Co-workers characterized Friday as a champion of technological change, commenting on the leadership he gave in the implementation of the hospital’s new digital patient record system; yet he still is viewed as having all the traits of a small-town physician.
He has served as chief of staff of the hospital and as chairman of its quality committee.
“I have no idea how we will ever replace that rare combination of progressive technological thinking and traditional patient-centered approach to medicine that builds trust and rapport with rural Alabamians,” Winter said.
Jerry Fielding, chairman of the Sylacauga Health Care Authority, said Friday was his first doctor. “He has to be an outstanding physician because I’m still here.”
Fielding said Friday was always smiling when you see him. “Bill served on the hospital board for several years. He was an outstanding board member and always represented physicians well. We will miss his good advice and counsel and his care in this community,” he said.
Dr. Steve Bowen, a friend and co-worker of Friday’s, congratulated him for 30 years of service to the community and choosing the path of medicine instead of becoming an astronomer.
Bowen said Friday loved astronomy and at one time considered it as a career. He still dapples in astronomy as one of his diverse hobbies, Bowers said. Friday can even sail his boat by the stars. He is also a certified falconer, a person who breeds and trains falcons.
“He’s a natural leader. We were fortunate to have him at Craddock Clinic and to have his dad here in Sylacauga. We all wish you well. Come back to see us in between your travels,” Bowen said.
Sisk thanked Friday for all his efforts with patient care and the hospital. He presented him with a painting on the hospital’s behalf of a bird beside a lake.
Friday said Thursday he was honored by the recognition from the hospital association, the board, employees and friends, along with his predecessors.
“So much has changed and it has all been for the better. This is the good old days. We’ve got a new building almost ready to open. We’re attracting new health care services to Sylacauga and much more. I’m leaving at a good time. Everything is going great. I’m deeply honored and I wish everyone the best,” he said.
Friday’s family was on hand for the reception, along with colleagues, friends and former patients.
