[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 137 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1155-E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF DR. DONALD E. CORNFORTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 17, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
Dr. Donald E. Cornforth, a Central Valley resident who provided 
outstanding medical care to his community for over twenty years.
  Donald E. Cornforth was born in Media, Pennsylvania on November 2, 
1942. In 1964, he completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado State 
University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Four years later, upon graduating 
from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Mr. Cornforth began a 
year-long internship at Fitzsimons General Hospital. Following this 
internship, Dr. Cornforth began his Radiology Residency at St. Joseph's 
Hospital in Colorado and became certified by the American Board of 
Radiology in 1975.
  Dr. Donald Cornforth's drive and dedication to help those in need was 
further demonstrated when, during his final year in medical school, he 
made the selfless decision to enlist in the United States Army. After 
five years of Active Duty, two of which were spent as a Radiologist at 
Ireland Army Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Major Cornforth was 
honorably discharged.
  Over the next fifteen years practicing radiology, Dr. Cornforth 
continuously proved himself to be a fundamental leader within the 
medical community. During this time, Dr. Cornforth developed innovated 
services within his field and even brought his knowledge and services 
to Saudi Arabia for a teaching sabbatical. Additionally, Dr. Cornforth 
performed groundbreaking procedures including Colorado's first 
percutaneous trans-renal kidney stone extraction and the world's first 
percutaneous trans-renal UPJ endopyeloplasty.
  Then, in 1991, Dr. Cornforth brought his expertise to the Central 
Valley as the President of San Joaquin Imaging Medical Associates in 
Bakersfield, California. Dr. Cornforth upheld his commitment to provide 
vital medical services to those in need while leading various practices 
throughout the Kern County. His most notable practice, Quest Imaging 
Medical Associates, Inc. became a permanent fixture of the San Joaquin 
Community Hospital in 2010, expanding access to these critical services 
throughout the community.
  Whether he was serving our country in the United States Army or 
serving those within our

[[Page E1156]]

community, Dr. Cornforth has always provided care with the highest 
standard of excellence. Dr. Cornforth's dedication to serving others 
extends far beyond practicing medicine. In 2012, he and his wife, Edna, 
donated one million dollars for the cancer center at San Joaquin 
Community Hospital, its lobby now named the Cornforth Family Pavilion. 
Dr. and Mrs. Cornforth's generosity to those in need is truly 
commendable and has made a lasting, positive impact on the Central 
Valley community.
  Today, Dr. Cornforth retires from his practice in Delano, Donald E. 
Cornforth, M.D., Inc., and from his position as Chief Medical Officer 
at the San Joaquin Community Hospital, where he also served as the head 
of their nationally recognized Stroke Center for three years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in thanking Dr. Cornforth for his service to 
his country, the medical community, and the Central Valley.

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