[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO WALID J. BADDOURA, MD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the work of an outstanding individual, Dr. Walid J. Baddoura, who was 
recognized with the 2009 Kendrick P. Lance, MD Distinguished Physician 
Award, on October 17, 2009 for his distinguished service in the field 
of medicine.
  It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record 
of the greatest democracy ever known, for his story truly embodies the 
American Dream.
  Dr. Baddoura serves as the President of the Medical Staff of St. 
Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. He is also 
the Program Director of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program. His 
dedication to the medical profession is also evidenced in his 
leadership at the Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical 
Services, where he serves as Chief of the Gastroenterology Division, 
and the Program Director for its Gastroenterology Fellowship as well.
  Dr. Baddoura embarked on his journey into the field of medicine at 
the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. Upon his graduation in 
1976, he left Lebanon for New Jersey, and first joined the St. Joseph's 
family as a resident in Internal Medicine. He later left New Jersey for 
Connecticut, where he pursued a fellowship at the Yale-affiliated 
Gastroenterology Program in Waterbury and New Haven. He is board 
certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.
  He returned to St. Joseph's and since then has taken an active role 
in the education of students, residents and fellows. In 1986 he was 
appointed the Chief of the Gastroenterology Division, and since 1992, 
has held this position along with the aforementioned directorship at 
Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Services. He also 
maintains a private practice in Clifton.
  At St. Joseph's, Dr. Baddoura serves on many committees and has been 
on the Medical Board for several years, as a member and also as an 
officer. He has represented St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center on the 
Board of Trustees of the Passaic County Medical Society. This past 
June, the Northern New Jersey Council of the Boy Scouts of America 
honored him with the Distinguished Health Care Service Award. Dr. 
Baddoura resides in Pompton Plains and is the proud uncle of six nieces 
and nephews.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the 
efforts of exceptional individuals like Dr. Baddoura.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Dr. Baddoura's 
family and friends, all those who have been helped by him, and me in 
recognizing the outstanding contributions of Dr. Walid J. Baddoura to 
his community.

                          ____________________