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Dr. Chandler Honored for Service at L.D. McLaughlin Benefit


Over 500 people attended the 2nd Annual L.D. McLaughlin Benefit hosted by Dale Medical Center on Friday, August 29, 2014. The L.D. McLaughlin Memorial Fund was established in 2011 in memory of the late Dr. "Leon" who served on the hospital's medical staff from 1952 until his retirement in 1986.

"We are so thankful to those who supported the annual event", commented Vernon Johnson, CEO, Dale Medical Center. "Their support of the event is in fact support of our local hospital as the proceeds benefit capital improvements needed at Dale Medical Center. The fund will assist in obtaining needed technology to provide efficient, quality healthcare to our patients."

This year's event raising over $30,000, was held at the Ozark Civic Center featuring a guest appearance by America's favorite celebrity Chef, Paula Deen. The evening program opened with the "Ben Sneed Band", providing music as sponsors sampled various Paula Deen appetizers and desserts.

The highlight of the evening was when Paula Deen took the stage and entertained those in attendance for over an hour. As part of the program she took questions that many described as being like a personal visit with Paula. She truly presented herself as a living example of southern lady.

Following a meal served to Donors and Sponsors, Paula Deen assisted in the honoring of Dr. Connie Chandler for her 40 years of service to Dale Medical Center and community. Dr. Chandler and Paula Deen have formed a close friendship over the past seven years. "I wanted to be present to assist in raising money for such a worthy cause and to honor my dear friend, Dr. Connie Chandler for her service to this community that she loves so much," said Paula.

A portrait was unveiled of Dr. Chandler that will be displayed on the "Wall of Fame", in the hospital lobby. Dr. Chandler graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Montevallo in 1968. She then attended the University of Alabama in Birmingham completing her Doctrine of Medicine in 1972, and has remained Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice since that time. She completed an internship at Caraway Methodist Medical Center and Shelby Memorial Hospital from 1972 - 1974. Upon completion of her internship she and her late husband Joseph Sullivan, accepted an invitation to move to Ozark. She joined the medical staff at Dale Medical Center where she has maintained a practice for the last 40 years.

Over the years, Dr. Chandler has served the hospital in a variety of ways, including chief of medical staff, ER Director, Home Health Medical Director, and Hospice Medical Director. She also served as the Medical Director for Oakview Manor Nursing Home.
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