Franklin Square ER Dedicated to Top Doc

Under a white tent outside of Franklin Square Hospital Center, a large crowd gathered to watch as senior hospital officials and staff dedicated the department in honor of one of the medical facility's top doctors.

Dr. Michael Pipkin entered the tent to thunderous standing applause from the more than 200 people gathered there despite the sweltering heat.

On a stage at the front of the tent, Adrienne Kirby, president of Franklin Square Hospital, opened with a brief statement that summed up the sentiments of those in attendance.

"I think they like you," she said.

Pipkin has been the chair of emergency services at Franklin Square for 10 years.  Recently, he was forced to take medical leave as a result of an ongoing battle with esophageal cancer.

"Mike [Pipkin] is known to everyone here at Franklin Square," Kirby said. "I can't help but think what a gift, what a great human being ... and how lucky we are to have him." 

Kirby turned to address Pipkin, seated in the front row next to his wife Pam: "It's because of your commitment, dedication and loyalty to Franklin Square and to advancing emergency medicine that we honor you today by naming our emergency department the Dr. Michael Pipkin Emergency Department at Franklin Square," she said.

The comment was met by another standing ovation.

"I think they agree with that, too," Kirby said.

Later in the ceremony, Kyrle Preis III, the director of emergency medical services for the Baltimore County Fire Department, made Pipkin an honorary fire surgeon.

"When we found out about the naming, we immediately thought about what we could do to honor the work you've done with us," Preis said.  "So on behalf of County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Fire Chief John Hohman, we'd like you to join our ranks as an honorary fire surgeon."

Preis then presented Pipkin with a certificate of recognition.

"And you get a badge, too," he said.

Several other speakers approached the stage to sing Pipkin's praises. In total, the ceremony lasted about an hour.

"I am just blown away by all this support," Pipkin said to the crowd as the ceremony drew to a close.  "I'd like to thank each and every one of you personally."