Family Physician of the Year Award
The Family Physician of the Year award is given annually to a member of the NAFP. The purpose is to honor a physician who exemplifies, in the tradition of Family Medicine, a compassionate commitment to improving the health and well-being of people and communities throughout Nebraska. Nominations may be made by any individual who is close to the physician—patients, colleagues, friends, family, etc. Candidates must be AAFP and NAFP members in good standing. A winner will be selected by the NAFP Public Affairs Committee based on the following criteria:
- Provides his/her community with compassionate, comprehensive, and caring medical service on a continuing basis.
- Serves as a role model to his/her patients, community, Family Medicine colleagues, other health professionals, and especially to medical students and young physicians in training.
- Is directly and effectively involved in community affairs and activities that enhance the quality of life in his/her home area.
Past Recipients
2022 Josue D. Gutierrez, M.D., Crete
2021 All Nebraska Family Physicians
2020 Robert R. Rauner, M.D., Lincoln
2019 John W. West, M.D., McCook
2018 Patrick A. Hotovy, M.D., York
2017 Robert Rhodes, M.D., Lincoln
2016 Gilbert A. Rude, M.D., Kearney
2015 Joseph S. Miller, M.D., Lexington
2014 Thomas A. McKnight, M.D., Fremont
2013 Randy T. Kohl, M.D., Firth
2012 Kent T. Lacey, M.D., Scottsbluff
2011 David J. Hoelting, M.D., Pender
2010 Fred J. Pettid, M.D., Omaha
2009 Van E. Vahle, M.D., Seward
2008 Mark R. Jones, M.D., Lexington
2007 Kathleen A. Bliese, M.D., Grand Island
2006 David F. Demuth, M.D., York
2005 Jeffrey D. Akerson, M.D., Sidney
2004 Ron D. Scott, M.D., Kearney
2003 Gerald W. Luckey, M.D., David City
2002 Robert L. Wergin, M.D., Milford
2001 Richard M. Fruehling, M.D., Grand Island
2000 Richard A. Blatny, M.D., Fairbury
1999 Dale E. Michels, M.D., Lincoln
1998 Dean R. Thomson, M.D., Nebraska City
1997 John M. McCammond, M.D., Kearney
1996 Steven M. Williams, M.D., Omaha
1995 Charles J. Vlach, M.D., Hartington
1994 Darroll J. Loschen, M.D., York
1993 Eugene L. Sucha, M.D., West Point
1992 Charles F. Ashby, M.D., Geneva
1991 Delwyn J. Nagengast, M.D., Bloomfield
1990 James S. Long, M.D., Alma
1989 K. Don Arrasmith, M.D., Omaha
1988 Dwight L. Larson, M.D., North Platte
1987 Stuart P. Embury, M.D., Holdrege
1986 James E. Ramsay, M.D., Atkinson
1985 No Award Given
1984 William A. Doering, M.D., Franklin
1983 Donald Larson, M.D., Aurora
1982 Rudy Sievers, M.D., Blair
