Tracy Meyer Honored as Recipient of Regional West’s 2026 Westerbuhr/Forney Trauma Excellence Award

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Tracy Meyer, BSN, RN, Regional West Air Link chief flight nurse, was recently recognized at the Western Nebraska Trauma Symposium as the 2026 recipient of the Westerbuhr/Forney Trauma Excellence Award.

On Sept. 11, physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and emergency services personnel gathered to further their knowledge and understanding of trauma-related subjects from guest speakers who are experts in their disciplines. The symposium included presentation of the Westerbuhr/Forney Trauma Excellence Award, honoring past Regional West surgeons Lloyd Westerbuhr, MD, and Glen Forney, MD.

Westerbuhr and Forney are credited with founding not only Regional West’s trauma network, but also the statewide trauma system. After starting at Regional West in 1977 and 1980, respectively, they were at the forefront of many innovative procedures and services, including bringing Air Link air medical services to the region in 1995. 

Troy Dean, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Regional West Air Link medical director and a physician with Regional West Physicians Clinic-Emergency Medicine, lauded Meyer for her dedication and commitment to Regional West and Air Link. 

“Tracy is an extraordinary example of what it means to lead with passion, purpose, and heart,” said Dean. “Throughout her career with Air Link, she has dedicated herself not only to caring for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments, but also to supporting and strengthening her teams and her profession. As a chief flight nurse, her work as a clinician educator at the local and national levels, and as an active member of state and national organizations contributing to air medical safety, has helped shape the knowledge, skills, and culture of innumerable clinicians. Her passion for patient care, flight medicine, and her steadfast commitment to the principle that "Everyone Comes Home" reflects the very heart of her profession. I can think of few people more deserving of this recognition. This award celebrates not only all that Tracy has accomplished, but also who she is: a dedicated caregiver, a passionate educator, a trusted leader, and an overall amazing person. Her impact on regional trauma care and the broader air medical community is immeasurable.”

"I am truly humbled to receive this award. It means so much to me because it represents Dr. Westerbuhr’s vision to bring advanced trauma care and expeditious air medical transport to our rural community and surrounding area,” said Meyer. “Dr. Westerbuhr and Dr. Forney elevated Regional West trauma care provided on scene, during transport, and at the trauma center. It’s an unbelievable honor to even be mentioned in the same breath as these two great men.”

About Regional West
Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, the only advanced trauma hospital in Nebraska west of North Platte. Since 1924, Regional West has served the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming through innovative healthcare services. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West offers an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics.