Bill Frist Flies Missions Worldwide To Help Those In Need
Esteemed doctor, pilot and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader
Bill Frist (pictured, 2004 photo) has been awarded the
NBAA’s 2011 Al Ueltschi Award for Humanitarian Leadership in
recognition of his life-saving efforts worldwide, and the
importance of business aviation to those endeavors.
An accomplished medical researcher and heart transplant surgeon,
Dr. Frist was elected to the Senate representing Tennessee in 1994,
the first practicing physician elected to the lawmaking body since
1928. During his two terms in office, Frist rose to the majority
leader position faster than any previous senator while spearheading
efforts to improve medical access for Americans and others
worldwide, notably leading on bills like the Medicare Modernization
Act and the passage of the President’s Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR combats the spread of disease in
resource-limited areas worldwide, and since its passage has
provided life-saving anti-retroviral drug treatments to over 3.2
million people and counseling, testing and education to over 33
million to help prevent new infections. This ambitious program is
often credited with saving a generation of Africans.
A true citizen-legislator, Frist has continued his regular
medical mission trips worldwide since his retirement from the
Senate in 2007. Frist – a pilot since the age of 16 and
holder of multi-engine, commercial and instrument ratings –
has consistently relied on aviation and his own piloting skills to
expand his life-long commitment to healing to areas around the
globe.
From using
aviation night after night to personally transport hearts during
his time-sensitive transplant procedures, to piloting planes
throughout war-torn Sudan to perform surgery, Frist credits
aviation as a powerful instrument for healing. Within days of the
levees breaking in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, he flew his
plane to care for those stranded. In flooded Bangladesh, he relied
on floatplanes to ferry needed personnel and supplies on behalf of
Save the Children and Samaritan’s Purse, and in 2010, he
immediately flew to Haiti to perform surgery in the aftermath of
the earthquake in Haiti.
“Bill Frist has combined his skill as an aviator with his
expertise in medicine to reach people in need of life-saving
treatment at home and all over the world,” said NBAA
President and CEO Ed Bolen. “From piloting his own aircraft
throughout Sudan to give surgical care, to using aviation to reach
and treat victims days after the devastating earthquake in Haiti,
the senator and doctor truly ‘walks the walk’ in
assisting those most in need of help. He exemplifies the
humanitarian spirit that’s always been a part of business
aviation, and we are honored to recognize his pioneering work with
this award.”
Established in 2006, NBAA’s Al Ueltschi Award for
Humanitarian Leadership recognizes the spirit of service
demonstrated by humanitarian leaders within the business aviation
community. The award is named for Albert L. Ueltschi, who was
instrumental in the development of ORBIS, an international
non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness and
saving sight.
The award will be presented to Frist at the Opening General
Session for NBAA’s 64th Annual Meeting & Convention
(NBAA2011) in Las Vegas.