Longtime Portsmouth physician, Dr. Suzann Bonzo, has retired. Southern Ohio Medical Center honored Dr. Bonzo in front of the Hospice center that now bears her name. The hospital called her a pioneer for change at the hospital and said she leaves a lasting legacy.
Bonzo served as Chief of Medicine at the hospital as well as chaired multiple committees throughout the years including ICU, Critical Care, Oncology and Pharmacy and Therapeutics. She also taught medical students, residents, and nurse practitioners.
Over the years, Bonzo saw several changes in name and ownership at the hospital. She was honored with the Outstanding Physician Award from the Scioto County Medical Society in 2017.
However, the hospital said it’s her commitment to hospice and palliative care that led to her name being placed on the outside of the SOMC Inpatient Hospice center. They said she’s been a huge advocate and generous donor to the SOMC Hospice Expansion Project. The project will drastically expand the SOMC Hospice Center.
Bonzo Inspired With Dedication
The $3 million expansion project will update SOMC Hospice with four new patient rooms, another large common gathering area, a meditation room, new restroom facilities, an upgraded kitchen, and support areas to assist staff in continuing to provide excellent care for our patients.
“Dr. Bonzo is very passionate. She is passionate about what she does, and hospice is a particular interest to her,” said Teresa Ruby, SOMC Administrative Director of Hospice, Home Care and Palliative Care. “Dr. Bonzo inspires us with her commitment, her dedication and she sets an example that other coworkers and our staff to see on a daily basis”
The hospital added, “Throughout the years, Dr. Bonzo has touched countless lives. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on in the years to come as evidenced by the incredible SOMC Hospice Center that she has been an advocate for since its inception in 2007. SOMC thanks Dr. Bonzo for her selfless dedication to patient care and commitment to improving the field for the community. We wish you a happy retirement!”
