By Vicki Delzeith—
MUNCIE, IN—IU Health is excited to announce that Dr. Wayne L. Gray was recently awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Citation of Honor from Governor Eric Holcomb.
The Sagamore of the Wabash award honors those who have made a significant contribution to life in the Hoosier state. The designation was created in the late 1940s during the administration of Governor Ralph Gates. The Sagamore is the highest honor the Governor regularly bestows on individuals. Governor Eric Holcomb reserves the Sagamore for those who have gone “above and beyond” and contributed to their communities or to the State in an extraordinary manner.
The nomination by IU Health East Central Region President, Dr. Jeff Bird, explained the 50 years of dedication and contributions Dr. Gray has made to his patients and the Muncie community. Some of these include introducing EKG monitors and defibrillators to Ball surgery, implementing hemodynamic monitoring in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Gray also championed the opening of the Heart and Lung Center in 2017 and spearheaded an instructor training program and an advanced life support program for the Indiana Heart Association. He has also been published in various international publications and awarded the IU Health Physician Values Leadership Award.
Dr. Wayne Gray has been an integral part of the IU Health Ball team since 1973 becoming a renowned heart care specialist and bringing IU Health Ball to the forefront of cardiac care. Dr. Gray first came to Ball Memorial Hospital (BMH) in 1966, as an intern. After completing his Residency and Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at University of Kansas Medical Center, he joined their medicine faculty. Since returning to BMH in 1973 he has served in a variety of capacities including the Director of Cardiac Diagnostic Unit, the Assistant Director of Cardiovascular Medical Education, Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Cardiac Liaison to Quality Management.
“Everyone that knows Dr. Gray, had the privilege to work with him or learn from him is aware of his acute wisdom, curious nature, and generous heart. We are so grateful for his unfailing commitment over the past 50 years to his patients, the community, the profession of medicine, and IU Health,” stated Annie Cheek, FACHE, MBA, MS, Executive Director, IU Health/IUSM Cardiovascular Institute and former student of Dr. Gray. “He has made such an impact on not only medical education but also the many residents and graduate students he mentored at Ball State University.”
About Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves as a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital for East Central Indiana and part of Indiana University Health. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and maintains 1.2 million square feet of facilities. It is part of an elite group of hospitals with Magnet designation for nursing excellence. More than 17,700 patients are admitted every year and more than 300,000 outpatient procedures are completed annually. Jeff Bird, MD, is President. Learn more at iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
Related article about Dr. Gray originally published in 2023 is below.
Cardiologist Dr. Wayne L. Gray Celebrates 50 Years at IU Health Ball
