Heather Rhodes, Ph.D., has been selected as the holder of the Raymond Goldbach Endowment for Clinical Research. 

This endowment was established by Marie S. Goldbach to honor the memory of her husband, Raymond Goldbach, and to support clinical research efforts in clinical cancer research, clinical genetics, clinical vaccination, or other clinical areas. Ray Goldbach, along with his wife, Marie, started Marathon Cheese Corporation in Marathon City in 1952. 

The endowment will be used to identify the geographic determinants of under triage for rural traumatic injuries and optimize transport to definitive trauma care within our health system. 

“As a scientist I am thankful to be given this opportunity and excited to move my research forward in optimizing triage in our rural community," Dr. Rhodes said. 

Dr. Rhodes joined Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in February 2023 as an associate research scientist, to build and support Marshfield Clinic Health System's initiative to seek Level 1 trauma center designation. She has already made significant impact on the trauma program through numerous publications, presentations and educational opportunities. 

Dr. Rhodes previously served as a trauma research specialist at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Dr. Rhodes earned her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale, Florida in Health Science in 2022. 

“Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rhodes for this accomplishment," said MCRI Executive Director Jennifer Meece, Ph.D. “I am confident she will use the endowment to continue to make meaningful contributions to care in our health system and in disseminating knowledge to advance rural trauma care nationally."