Oswego Health recognizes doctors as community leaders

OSWEGO, N.Y. — Oswego Health recently honored a pair of doctors for their work and dedication to the community.

The health system presented Dr. Robert Morgan with the 2020-21 Health System Champion Award for his dedication and commitment to not only his patients and the area community, but also for being such an advocate for the organization.

Morgan’s career started at Oswego Hospital when he was just a teenager working in the hospital lab. He later went on to pursue his medical degree in 1983 from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. In 1985, Morgan returned to Oswego Hospital and served as an emergency-room physician before completing his family-practice residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse 1986. 

Morgan has been a part of the Oswego community as a family practice provider for 36 years and a part of the medical staff since 1986. His passion for helping others extends far beyond his practice walls. Oswego Health said in a news release. Dr. Morgan is actively involved with the Maritime Museum; he serves as medical director for the Oswego, Hannibal, and Fulton School Districts as well as CiTi BOCES; and he and his wife Anne volunteer countless hours every year to many local nonprofits.

In October 2018, Oswego Health welcomed Morgan’s Oswego Family Physicians to the Physician Care PC, serving as the model practice as it continues to expand its primary care footprint throughout the county. 

Oswego Health presented its Community Physician Award to Dr. Corliss A. Varnum, The award recognizes a dedicated physician whose skills in their clinical practice align with the mission, vision, and values of Oswego Health. 

Varnum was honored for his dedication to the Oswego community. The doctor “is personable, honest, dedicated, and present for his patients,” Oswego Health said in the release. “It’s evident in the long hours he keeps, the time spent on individualized care, and the relationships he’s built throughout the years.”

Born in the Catskills, Dr. Varnum first called Oswego “home” when he attended SUNY Oswego in 1979 to earn his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He then pursued his medical degree and graduated with honors from New York Medical College in 1983. Varnum completed an internship with Lancaster General Hospital in 1984 as well as a family practice residency in 1986.

Returning to Oswego, Dr. Varnum was eager to begin practicing family medicine and in 1987 established his first practice. This practice was originally an office building on West Utica Street, which he shared with Dr. Selma Sheridan. Shortly thereafter, he built Port City Family Medicine, “a staple practice in Oswego for countless residents and families over the years,” the health system said.

The two doctors’ awards were part of three Oswego Health made as part of its planned 3rd annual Oswego Health Foundation Gala, where it recognizes local leaders including physicians and business partners who demonstrate a commitment to improving the community and its residents. The gala was postponed due to COVID-19, but Oswego Health still presented the awards to the winners at their respective facilities. The third honor was the Community Partner Award, which went to Pathfinder Bank.