Michael Baum, MD, FACS, general surgeon, member of the Day Kimball Health (DKH) Board of Directors, and former President of the DKH Medical Staff has been honored with the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Community Champion Award. The award was presented at the Chamber’s Awards Gala held at The Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock last night on May 18.  

The Community Champion award is presented to an individual that has made a substantive, yet unrecognized, contribution to our community. The award recognizes an individual who has influenced our community from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in a variety of capacities, and a commitment to excellence.

“In his roles as a general surgeon, former president of the Day Kimball medical staff, and on our board of directors, I have had the personal and professional good fortune to work closely with Dr. Baum for the last several years,” said Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer, Day Kimball Health. “He has been a major contributor to the health and well-being of Northeast Connecticut and has done it in his own quiet and unassuming way. He is a leader and trusted physician to many, and he has been a pivotal part of Day Kimball’s ongoing advancement,” Kramer said.

“Dr. Baum’s tenure and leadership at DKH, coupled with establishing himself as a distinguished member of the community, have served to not only advance healthcare services locally but have also significantly improved the community at large,” Kramer continued. “For these reasons and more, the entire team at Day Kimball Health congratulates and applauds Dr. Baum for being recognized by the Chamber for this most distinct honor.”

Dr. Baum has maintained a long distinguished history with DKH since joining the medical staff in 1990. He has served on many internal and external committees, most recently as Vice President of the DKH Medical Staff from 2014 to 2016 and as the President of the DKH Medical Staff from 2016 to 2022. He has also served on DKH’s Board of Directors from 2005 through 2013, and from 2015 to today. He is a member of the DKH Finance Committee, the DKMG Finance Committee, and the Bylaws Committee.

Aside from his service and commitment to DKH, Dr. Baum is also involved with the Northeast Connecticut community, serving on Board of Finance for the Town of Pomfret from 2007 to 2019, and has been appointed to many committees throughout the region including as a member, Vice President and President of the Windham County Medical Society from 1990-2014.  

In 2019, Dr. Baum was awarded the Unsung Hero Award from the DKH Oncology department in recognition of his outstanding dedication, service, and leadership to DKH’s Oncology program. Dr. Baum has been a staunch advocate and steadfast supporter of the program since its inception.

Additionally, Dr. Baum was named to Connecticut Magazine’s list of Top Docs in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and has met the physician-led Castle Connolly review process standards for at least 5 years. The Top Docs are nominated by their peers and vetted to meet the criteria to earn the designation.

Along with Dr. Baum, other honorees recognized at the Chamber Awards Gala included Business Leader of the Year Award winner David Wollner; Civic Achievement Award winner Jennifer Brytowski; George J. Racine, Sr. Humanitarian Award winner Laura Moorehead; and Gold Key Award winner Sheila Anderson Frost.

Photo Caption: (Pictured l to r:) Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer, Day Kimball Health, and Dr. Michael Baum, general surgeon, and member of the Day Kimball Health (DKH) Board of Directors attended the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Awards Gala Thursday, May 18 at The Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock. Dr. Baum was awarded the Chamber’s 2023 Community Champion Award for his contribution to the health and well-being of our community.

Photo Caption: Dr. Michael Baum, general surgeon, and member of the Day Kimball Health (DKH) Board of Directors poses with his family after winning the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Community Champion Award on Thursday, May 18 at The Mansion at Bald Hill in Woodstock.