"RAZ" COOK East Texas Medical Center-Fairfield administrator Ruth A. "Raz" Cook, FACHE, received the American College of Healthcare Executives' Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent's Award on January 22 at the Texas Hospital Association Leadership Conference in Austin.

The award was bestowed on Cook by Richard Hoeth, ACHE's Regent for Area 7. The Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent's Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who are experienced in the field and have significantly contributed toward the advancement of healthcare management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE.

"Being recognized by my ACHE colleagues is highly complimentary and inspiring. I serve among great leadership," Cook says.

Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, contributions to the development of others in the healthcare profession, leadership in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, and participation in ACHE activities and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.

Cook has served as administrator at ETMC Fairfield since 1999. Prior to this, she served as chief nursing officer at Trinity Valley Medical Center in Palestine.

Cook holds FACHE status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence. She is also a member of Texas Nurses Association, Texas Hospital Association, and Rotary International.

Cook received her bachelor's degree from Baylor University in Waco in 1990 and her master's degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1992.

The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of 30,000 healthcare executives who lead our nation's hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations.

ACHE is known for its credentialing and educational programs and its annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants each year.

ACHE is also known for its journal, the Journal of Healthcare Management, and magazine, Healthcare Executive, as well as groundbreaking research and career development and public policy programs.

ETMC Fairfield is part of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System.

Other ETMC hospitals include those in Athens, Carthage, Clarksville, Crockett, Gilmer, Jacksonville, Mount Vernon, Pittsburg, Quitman, Trinity and Tyler.