Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Receives Above and Beyond Award and Signs Statement of Support

Newton, MA (February 28, 2009) - Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a multi-specialty physician practice with offices across eastern Massachusetts and an affiliate of Atrius Health, is honored to announce that the Massachusetts Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) has recognized Harvard Vanguard with their Above and Beyond Award. The Above and Beyond Award honors companies that exceed federal requirements in their support of employees called into active duty by the National Guard or Reserve.

National Guard and Reserve personnel comprise approximately 48% of the United States military. ESGR’s goals are to gain and maintain support from employers of Guard and Reserve members through education and recognize those who go above and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). This includes continuation of job opportunities and benefits equivalent to other employees.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Edward Castonguay, surgical specialties clinical support supervisor for Harvard Vanguard’s Wellesley practice and Naval Reservist on the OHSU Portsmouth Det M Newport RI, nominated the company for the award. Ed has worked for Harvard Vanguard for 9 of his 16 years as a Reservist, having served 10 months in Iraq from January through October 2003.

Mary O’Neil, site administrator for the Wellesley practice and Ed’s supervisor, was awarded the Patriotic Employer award for practicing personnel policies that support employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve.

“Harvard Vanguard is proud of Ed and also to be recognized by the ESGR for our role in supporting our employees in the Guard and Reserve,” said Dr. Gene Lindsey, president and CEO of Harvard Vanguard and Atrius Health.