The Vermont Medical Society (VMS) honored five Vermonters for their outstanding contributions to the health and well being of the state's residents. The award recipients were recognized during VMS's 196th annual meeting at the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes.
Vermont Commission of Health Wendy Davis, M.D., was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for her dedication to improving the health of Vermonters and the state's health care system. Since being named commissioner of health in 2008, Dr. Davis has been a tireless advocate for children and has sought to ensure that public health is fully integrated with Vermont's chronic care initiative. Dr. Davis has also been on the forefront of Vermont's response to the H1N1 flu threat.
The Distinguished Service Award, the highest award VMS can bestow upon one of its members, is given on the basis of meritorious service in the science and art of medicine and for outstanding contributions to the medical profession, its organizations, and the welfare of the public.
Vermont Attorney General William H. Sorrell received the Citizen of the Year Award, which is presented to a non-physician who has made a significant contribution to the health of the people of Vermont.
Attorney General Sorrell was recognized for his role in successfully defending Vermonts ban on the data mining of prescription information by pharmaceutical companies. The law, upheld by the U.S. District Court in Brattleboro, is an important element in the state's effort to control pharmaceutical costs and thereby helping to make health insurance coverage more affordable to the average Vermonter.
The Physician of the Year award was presented to Morrisville physician David Coddaire, M.D. Dr. Coddaire was recognized by his peers for the exemplary care he provides his patients and the leadership role he has assumed within the physician community. He is highly regarded by the Copley Hospital medical staff and has given much of his time in the service of VMS as a Counselor from Lamoille County and a participant on public policy study committees.
The Physician of the Year Award is granted annually to a physician licensed in the state of Vermont who has demonstrated: outstanding performance in the quality of care given to his/her patients; skillful and compassionate patient care; and, dedication to the welfare of his patients in accordance with accepted principles of good medical practice.
Lois Howe McClure was presented with the Founders' Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and achievement in improving the health of Vermonters and all Americans.
Along with her late husband, Mac, Lois McClure has supported numerous community initiatives that have made a difference in Vermonters' health and well being. Through McClure's efforts, patients and their caregivers who travel to Fletcher Allen Health Care for cancer treatment stay in a comfortable home setting, mothers and their children are learning parenting and occupational skills in a safe environment at the McClure-supported Lund Family Center, and the changing demographics in Vermont are being addressed at the University of Vermont’s new Center on Aging.
The Physician Award for Community Service was given to Audrey von Lepel, M.D., for her work as a wildlife rescue worker in Franklin County. A member of the Vermont Wildlife Rescue Association, Dr. von Lepel is a Vermont Institute for Natural Science (VINS) recognized wildlife rehabilitator for songbirds and small mammals and has been known to treat wounded animals and release them back into the wild.
The Physician Award for Community Services is granted annually to a physician who has compiled an outstanding record of community service, which, apart from his or her specific identification as a physician, reflects well on the profession.
About the Vermont Medical Society: The Vermont Medical Society is the leading voice of physicians in the state and is dedicated to advancing the practice of medicine by advocating on behalf of Vermont's doctors and the patients and communities they care for. The Society serves its 2,000 members through public policy advocacy on the state and federal levels, as well as by providing legal, administrative and educational support, producing a rich flow of news and information and offering member benefits that increase medical practice effectiveness and efficiency. For more information, visit www.VTMD.org
