CDH Physician Recognized As City’s First “Police Surgeon”

NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital physician Raymond F. Conway last month became the first person in the city’s recent history to receive the “police surgeon” award.

Northampton’s police chief, Russell P. Sienkiewicz, first presented Conway with a certificate of recognition for his dedication in the area of emergency medical response preparation and training. He then presented Conway with a police surgeon badge.

The International Society of Police Surgeons was formed in New York in 1987 by a police surgeon for the purposes of creating a forum of highly qualified medical and dental practitioners for the exchange of educational and scientific knowledge and to serve the health needs of law enforcement.

Police Captain Joseph Koncas called Conway a pioneer. “He has expanded the idea of community-based emergency delivery systems,” said Koncas, adding that Conway dedicated a great amount of time training police personnel on defibrilation recertification.

Conway is medical director of the CDH Emergency Dept. and has been affiliated with the hospital for 22 years.