SULLIVAN COUNTY — The New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) is pleased to announce that Dr. Bruce Ellsweig, medical director with the Sullivan County Public Health Services and family physician with Crystal Run Healthcare, a multi-specialty practice in Middletown, New York, has been selected as the winner of the 2023 Dr. Gary Ogden Rural Health Practitioner of the Year award. 

Dr. Ellsweig is being honored for his exemplary contributions to rural health, public health and community involvement in Sullivan County, NY that span the last several decades. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ellsweig was on the frontlines serving his community by providing guidance, education and support as medical director for the local health department and as previous Chair of the Health Services Advisory Board and Professional Advisory Committee. Dr. Ellsweig contributed hundreds of hours of his own time volunteering at mass vaccination clinics and supporting emergency operations during 2021 and 2022 while continuing to care for patients in his practice.

He is driven by a great desire to improve the quality of life for rural residents, as shown by his extensive community volunteerism with several organizations. He is a kind and compassionate physician with strong ethical and quality standards. He always goes above and beyond in the care for his patients and community.

The free virtual Rural Health Awards celebration was held Thursday, November 16th at 10AM.