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

2023 Mark D. Goodman, M.D. Omaha

2022 Josue D. Gutierrez, M.D. Crete

2021 All Family Physicians in NE Nebraska

2020 Robert R. Rauner, M.D. Lincoln

2019 John West, M.D. McCook

2018 Patrick A. Hotovy, M.D. York

2017 Robert B. 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