Michigan Family Medicine Educator of the Year

The Michigan Family Medicine Educator of the Year award recognizes an educator who has made outstanding contributions to family medicine undergraduate, graduate, and/or continuing education in Michigan.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Kristi VanDerKolk.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominee must be an MAFP member in good standing; previously nominated educators who were not selected are eligible for reconsideration (re-nomination required)
• Nominee must be currently teaching residents/medical students in Michigan
• Nominee must have a minimum of 3 years post-residency experience in Michigan
• Required Electronic Attachments:
  • Two letters of support are required. One letter of support could be from a colleague, patient, or community partner. The second letter of support must be from the nominee's institution. Letters of support should focus on how the nominee meets the selection criteria.
  • Current Curriculum Vitae

Selection Criteria

• Must be actively involved in allopathic or osteopathic education and demonstrate commitment to the family medicine specialty.
• Must have a significant impact on students, peers, academic institutions, the family medicine specialty, and/or the community.
• Must demonstrate compassion and leadership in their role as an educator.

How to Submit a Nomination

1. Confirm eligibility and secure required electronic attachments.
2. Complete the online nomination form by March 1.
   • Preview a sample of the online nomination form

Past Award Winners

2025: Kristi VanDerKolk MD, FAAFP

2024: Jennifer Romeu, MD, FAAFP

2023: Juana Nicoll Capizzano, MD

2022: Julie Blaszczak, MD, MEHP

2021: Mark Paschall, MD

2020: Christine Medaugh, MD

2019: Srikala Yedavally-Yellayi, DO, MMEd, FAAFP

2018: Henry Barry, MD, MS

2017: Karen Mitchell, MD, FAAFP

2016: Sheala Jafry, MD

2015: Pierre Morris, MD

2013: William P. Gifford, MD

2012: George Smith, MD

2010: Rajiv Rangrass, MD, FAAFP

2009: Edward A. Jackson, MD, FAAFP

2008: Tsveti Markova, MD, FAAFP

2007: Eric P. Skye, MD, FAAFP

2006: Susan L. Radecky, MD

2005: John M. O’Brien, MD, FAAFP

2004: John Escott, MD

2003: Bob James Lorinser, MD

2002: William Wadland, MD, MS, FAAFP

2001: Bruce Deschere, MD

2000: Paul Werner, MD

1999: James Peggs, MD

1998: Robert Lachance, MD, MS, FAAFP

1997: Ralph Woodbury, MD, FAAFP

1996: Larry Kelly, MD, FAAFP

1995: Lewis E. Simoni, MD

1994: John Battle, MD

1993: James O’Brien, MD

1992: David Bosscher, DO, FAAFP

1991: Roy Gerard, MD, FAAFP*

1990: Gary Otsuji, MD, FAAFP

*Deceased