Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, presented a $5,000 donation for the first annual Dr. Suzanne Wedel Scholarship for award by the MedEvac International Foundation. The scholarship donation was presented at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC) in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Dr. Wedel was a recognized expert and true leader, pioneering flight solutions for the air medical community for nearly 30 years with patient care, always her priority,” said Jeanette Eaton, Sikorsky sales executive for North America and Canada. “This STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) scholarship will allow the foundation to give back to the community in the name and legacy of Dr. Wedel to support the advancement of air medical transportation through professional education and research.
“Suzanne was a beloved friend, skilled physician, and tremendous leader who will be missed by many,” said Eaton. “Her legacy, vision and commitment will have an ever-lasting effect on this world.”
On March 30, 2016, Dr. Wedel, CEO of Boston MedFlight, passed away following a long battle with cancer. The late Dr. Wedel was a pioneer in the industry, accredited with expanding the scope of air medical transportation as chief executive officer for Boston MedFlight for nearly three decades. She also founded the North East Air Alliance, which fosters coordinated efforts among the region’s air ambulance organizations.
Recently, the Helicopter Association International awarded Boston MedFlight with The Salute to Excellence Award to champion a solution using a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter for the point-in-space GPS approach to enhance safety and improve the lives in the Boston community.
