Gerard Bishop Receives Ninan Award

Gerard Bishop wasn’t sure what his colleagues were clapping for when he walked into the conference room at the Covenant HealthCare Mackinaw campus. The applause was all for him. Bishop, an Oncology Social Worker at the Covenant Cancer Care Center, is the first recipient of the Dr. Jacob Ninan Educational Oncology Award established through Covenant HealthCare Foundation.

“Gerry has provided tremendous support for cancer patients, as well as their families,” said Covenant Foundation Director, Carol Cottrell. “His gentle, caring manner resonates with patients, providing them comfort and hope as they deal with the diagnosis of cancer. Gerry’s empathetic approach exemplifies the approach demonstrated by Dr. Ninan as he engaged with and treated patients.” In honor of Dr. Ninan’s years of service and commitment to his patients, the hospital and his staff, this annual award is given to a staff member who demonstrates outstanding dedication and commitment to cancer patients and their families. It enables the recipient to attend the MD Anderson Physicians Network Annual Symposium.

“Dr. Ninan, for those of us who had the pleasure of working with him, was a kind, caring, thoughtful and dedicated professional who kept the needs of his patients first and foremost,” Bishop said. “I am humbled to be chosen for this Oncology award - especially as part of an interdisciplinary team of other dedicated professionals, who together provide outstanding cancer care to both our chemotherapy and radiation therapy patients and their families.”

To make a contribution to the Dr. Jacob Ninan Educational Oncology Award, visit the Covenant HealthCare Foundation webpage.