Walking among giants
2006 Sister Peter Claver Award recipient named
John Condon, DDS, a local pediatric dentist who has cared for Spokane's children and for adults with developmental disabilities for the past 45 years, was named the 2006 Sister Peter Claver Award recipient at a ceremony on October 10.
“It kind of takes your breath away,” Dr. Condon remarked as he accepted the award, “and I'm humbled by the number of qualified people nominated who deserve it more than I do.” He went on to share that he inherited the passion to care for the poor from his father, who was a physician.
In its 14 consecutive year, Sacred Heart Medical Center recognizes an individual in the community with the Sister Peter Claver Award. Sister Peter Claver led the Medical Center from 1964 to 1991 and left an indelible mark on the hospital and the Spokane community. Qualifications for the award are integrity, humility, compassion and service to humanity.
Dr. Condon was nominated by members of Sacred Heart's Anesthesia department and others who wrote, “Dr. Condon displays the characteristics and traits that we so loved in Sr. Peter Claver, by caring for the poor and those society 'tucks away.' And he does so with kindness, compassion and grace. In addition, he is a humble and gentle man who is quick to laugh, slow to speak, never angry and always thankful.”
Once, when asked how he is reimbursed for care provided to this population, he responded, “I really don't know. It doesn't matter, because it needs to be done.” He also traveled to Odessa twice a week for 40 years to provide pediatric dental care there so children and families did not have to travel to Spokane.
In addition, Dr. Condon has served people at the Good Shepherd's Home, House of Charity, Morning Star Boys' Ranch and countless other organizations. He also is a champion for oral hygiene education in the school systems as well as vocal fundraiser for many charities.
Dr. Condon earned a pharmacy degree in 1955 and his doctor of dentistry degree in 1959, both from Creighton University. He served in the Dental Corps of the U.S. Army for two years before beginning his practice in Spokane where he has been since 1961.
“Dr. John Condon is an extraordinary personification of service,” wrote one of his nominators. “His duty to his profession, patients, staff and community is unmatched. He is not simply a dentist or clinician, but truly a 'caregiver.'”
Other 2006 nominees included: Dexter Amend, MD; Larry Bettesworth (in memory); Patricia Connell; Bernard Coughlin, SJ; Hrair Garabedian, MD; Vickie McGill, RN; Clara and Jerry Monks; John Moyer, MD; Mary Ann Murphy; Mark Olson, MD; Frank Otto, MD; Jim Shaw, MD; Rich Umbdenstock; Becky Ward; Carol Wendle; and Vivian Wendt.
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