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Honoring Dr. Kenita Carter

Volume
Volume 153 , Number 34
Pages
Pages E416
Legislative Body
Extensions of Remarks
Date
Wed, Feb. 28, 2007

Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger

legislator photo
Party
D
State
MD

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Kenita Carter, M.D., who was awarded the 2006 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Group.

Dr. Carter is a compassionate and dedicated physician who provides patient care for over 1,000 veterans. She has been an innovator at the Department of Veterans Affairs Loch Raven Campus Community Based Outpatient Center and has worked untiringly to improve the lives of Maryland's veterans.

Dr. Carter developed a MOVE program at the Loch Raven Campus on the grounds of the Baltimore Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Facility. MOVE is a national initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the problem of diabetes and obesity among the veteran population. Dr. Carter established and chaired a planning committee that developed the program that included exercise, nutritional planning and healthy lifestyle challenges in a group setting. In the voluntary program, the first 14 participants lost 187 pounds collectively while they developed healthier lifestyles. Dr. Carter constantly works with veterans on ways to improve the weight loss program to encourage maximum participation.

Even though the MOVE program is a national initiative, Dr. Carter was the first and only physician to embrace the project throughout the entire Department of Veterans Affairs' Maryland Health Care System. She made the program fun for veterans on a shoestring budget by taking walks with the veterans, playing shuffleboard with the veterans and providing lectures on healthy lifestyle habits to keep the veterans motivated throughout the program.

Dr. Carter managed this program in addition to her regular patient caseload. Her passion and excitement to see patients succeed is matched only by her compassion for her patients. The veterans who complete this program receive a framed certificate as recognition of their efforts to improve their own lives.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Dr. Kenita Carter. She is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through her onoing efforts, she has helped hundreds of veterans receive their medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their lives to serve our great country.