LANSING, MI – E.W. Sparrow Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer has been named one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2023 Healthcare Heroes for his leadership after the Michigan State University student shootings in February.

Denny Martin, D.O., and the highly skilled Sparrow Trauma team were lauded for their quick response to the shootings and leading-edge efforts to save the five remaining victims. Dr. Martin was specifically cited for his honest and emotional update to the public, which included breaking down in tears after a marathon night of treating the victims.

Crain’s said, “…it was Martin…who immediately connected with the public, industry and social media with his tearful press conference. After a near three-year pandemic and countless mass shootings, people grabbed onto the vulnerability and rawness of a leader that shrugged off the public relations and clinical detachment training for one real moment.”

Dr. Martin, who was interim hospital president at the time, responded: “We’re all trained to separate our emotions, but that’s not a real thing.” He noted the overwhelming attention he’s received since the press conference and how the incident has led to Sparrow expanding its mass casualty planning.

Dr. Martin has also praised the work of the entire hospital team in responding to the shootings, including caregivers in Trauma Services and the Emergency Department.

Dr. Martin and other healthcare heroes were selected based on nominations for those deserving recognition for expanding access to care, innovating new programs and procedures, and opening doors for diverse talent, according to Crain’s. The story is in the latest edition of Crain’s Detroit Business.

For more about Sparrow care, go to Sparrow.org. 

Photo courtesy of Sparrow Health System