[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 137 (Monday, December 6, 2004)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2154] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE TO RALPH CERNY ______ HON. BART STUPAK of michigan in the house of representatives Monday, December 6, 2004 Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has made remarkable contributions to the health of the people of northern Michigan. Ralph Cerny is retiring from his position as CEO of the Munson Medical Center in Traverse City on December 31st, closing a long career dedicated to providing his community with quality health care. Mr. Cerny's 38 years as a hospital administrator and community leader serve as a shining example of his profession. In 1964, Ralph Cerny graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. The year before, he actually had his first experience at Munson Medical Center, working as a summer intern. From Cornell University, Ralph went on to study Hospital Administration at the University of Michigan, where he not only earned a Master's degree, but also met his wife, Maureen. After graduating from U of M in 1966, Ralph began his career as an Associate Administrator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He remained there for seven years, but in 1973, he returned to Michigan as the CEO of the Memorial Medical Center of West Michigan in Ludington. In 1985, the long-time CEO of Munson Medical Center, Jack Bay, asked Ralph to move north and join Munson as Chief Operating Officer. He accepted, and began a 19 year tenure that saw Munson grow into a nationally-recognized hospital and health care provider at the center of a regional network of community-based hospitals. In his eight years as COO, and eleven years as CEO, Munson Medical Center has created a cardiovascular program that has been recognized on four occasions for superior clinical and operational performance; opened a new South Tower for patient care, opened a new ambulatory surgery center; and initiated an air ambulance service. This excellence has not gone unnoticed either. Munson received the National Quality Health Care Award in 2000 and was named one of the Nation's Top 100 hospitals six times. In short, Mr. Speaker, Ralph's leadership has had a lasting impact on the quality of care at Munson Medical Center, and on the quality of life in the Grand Traverse Region. I worked closely with Ralph Cerny and the Munson Medical family, and I have seen firsthand his dedication to his work and to his community. While Ralph will be missed at Munson, he has more than earned this retirement. As much as he has given to his career, Ralph has always had time for his family, and I know he looks forward to spending more time with his wife Maureen, their three sons Tim, Tyler, and Ryan, and their five grandchildren. I also suspect he will spend more time indulging in two of his favorite pastimes: golf and downhill skiing. Mr. Speaker, Ralph Cerny's commitment to his family, his community, health care, and Munson Medical Center serves as an example to all of us. I ask the House to join me in honoring him, thanking him for his service, and wishing him well in his retirement. ____________________