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Sydney Cochran, M.D., Hospital Hero
Sydney Cochran, M.D., an Internal Medicine specialist at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge, received one of ten "Hospital Hero Awards" from the Georgia Hospital Association's for his selfless and tireless dedication to his patients and his community. Each year, the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) selects 10 Heroes from hospitals throughout the state. The awards are given annually to Georgia hospital employees or physicians who have performed a heroic deed and/or tirelessly given of their time, talent, and expertise to improve their organization and the world around them. GHA describes such heroes as problem-solvers who "exemplify honesty, integrity, humility, courage, and commitment." Dr. Cochran received the award at the annual GHA Hospital Heroes Awards luncheon in Atlanta in December.
Dr. Cochran, who was nominated by Memorial Hospital and Manor, is the first person from Bainbridge to be selected for this coveted award. A portion of the nomination follows, which describes what makes Dr. Sydney Cochran a Hospital Hero:
"There is something reassuring about hearing the whistled tune of "How Great Thou Art" echoing through the halls of Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge, Georgia. Everyone knows what that means-Sydney Cochran, M.D., is in the house. This reassurance comes from the trust, respect and confidence that everyone has for this self-proclaimed "poor old country doctor." If the definition of a "poor old country doctor" is a physician who cares more for the well-being of his patients than for making money, who works tirelessly to help wherever he is needed, and who sacrifices his own leisure time to make a difference in the lives of people in his community, then Dr. Sydney Cochran fits the bill.
Dr. Cochran graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He was in the Army ROTC while at Georgia Tech. After graduation, he married the former Carol Hatcher of Bainbridge in 1968, and worked for Georgia Power in Athens. He then served a two-year tour in the United States Army, which included a one-year tour in Vietnam in 1970. While in Vietnam, he was a combat engineer in the 101st Airborne Division. He also helped some of the Army medical staff when they visited orphanages and provided care for the children. After his Army tour, Dr. Cochran took pre-med classes at the University of Georgia and worked as an ambulance attendant and driver for St. Mary's Hospital in Athens. He earned the Doctor of Medicine Degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, and completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah. Before moving back to Bainbridge, his hometown, in 1979, Dr. Cochran worked as an Emergency Room Physician at two rural Georgia hospitals.
In 32 years practicing as a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician in Bainbridge, Dr. Cochran has taken care of thousands of patients. On his office door are several computer-printed paper signs. One reads, "Cochranism #28: Live Simply, Give More, Expect Less." That is truly Dr. Cochran's philosophy on life. Dr. Cochran works tirelessly for the people in this Southwest Georgia rural community. He and his wife, Carol, both grew up in Bainbridge and raised their four children here. He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1963, and surely remembers how physicians treated their patients during that time. He will see sick patients on the day they call his office, and he will stay as late as necessary to make sure all patients are seen. He will stay all night at the hospital if he's concerned about a critical patient because he cares for them like he cares for his own family members.
Dr. Cochran's compassion and dedication also extends to the community. He served as a member of the Hospital Authority of Decatur County and the City of Bainbridge for 9 years, and has served as Chairman of the Decatur County Board of Education for over 12 years. He attends home high school football games and volunteers as a team physician. He has given free athletic physicals to high school and middle school athletes for over 15 years. He has been an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Bainbridge for most of his life. Other than medicine, Dr. Cochran's passions are his God, his family, and turkey hunting. He is respected and admired by his patients, community, hospital employees, and his colleagues as an outstanding physician, dedicated citizen, and genuinely good person.
Another sign on Dr. Cochran's office door is a quote from Benjamin Franklin, reflecting Dr. Cochran's outlook: "I'd rather have it said, ‘He lived usefully,' than ‘He died rich.' Dr. Cochran has certainly led a useful life and is a hero to many people in many ways. He lives simply. He thrives on helping others. He works hard to make life easier for those in need. Without a doubt, Dr. Sydney Cochran, is one of the greatest assets of Memorial Hospital and Manor and the Bainbridge community. Heroes like him are rare in today's culture, because he is not a hero for a moment or a day. Dr. Cochran is a perpetual hero."
