LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Richard P. Handler upon the occasion
of receiving the Distinguished Service Award from Adirondack Medical
Center on June 13, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those dedicated individuals within the medical field who
distinguish themselves through professional excellence and who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life of citizens in the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Richard P. Handler upon the occasion of receiving the Distinguished
Service Award from Adirondack Medical Center on June 13, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Richard P. Handler
joined Medical Associates of Saranac Lake in 1975, and has been on the
staff at Adirondack Medical Center, where he has also served as Presi-
dent of the medical staff; and
WHEREAS, Within his practice, Dr. Richard P. Handler developed a
subspecialty in Rheumatology, which became his passion and the focus of
his continuing education and eventually the majority of his work; by
allocating precious discretionary time, he has been able to write and
publish in this field, which he found a more difficult challenge from
private practice as opposed to academia; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Richard P. Handler received a Bachelor of Science degree
from MIT and graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine
in Palo Alto, California, in 1972; and
WHEREAS, In memory of their daughter, who died at age 24, Dr. Richard
P. Handler and his wife created an endowment to recognize a nurse at
Adirondack Medical Center who is new to the field, the Meghan E. Handler
Excellence in Nursing Award; and
WHEREAS, A true citizen of the North Country, Dr. Richard P. Handler
believes in giving back to the community he loves so much; for approxi-
mately 20 years, he served as the Chair of the Environmental Committee
of the Upper Saranac Lake Association; and
WHEREAS, With Dr. Richard P. Handler throughout have been his wife,
Leslie, and their three sons, Zack, Tristin and Max, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure at Adirondack Medical Center, Dr. Rich-
ard P. Handler has served as a role model of leadership to be emulated
by all, sharing with others his knowledge and expertise, as well as his
dedication and commitment to quality health care; and
WHEREAS, A leader in his profession, Dr. Richard P. Handler has
contributed to the maintenance and enhancement of the highest profes-
sional standards, proving himself to be a great asset to medicine and to
the health and welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Dr. Richard P. Handler and to wish
him continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Richard P. Handler upon the occasion of receiving the Distin-

guished Service Award from Adirondack Medical Center on June 13, 2009;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Richard P. Handler.