Each year the Academy receives many nominations for the Family Physician of the Year, and reviewing these nominations has many of a member wondering why only one doctor should be honored from among so many deserving. There are a number of our colleagues who are winding down their practices, and the sum of their contribution to their patients, their greater community and to us as our mentors and role models is enormous. And if more than one – or more than five – deserving, who are we not to honor them?

The IAFP Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in 2000, is given to one or more Academy members based on nomination by another member, both of whom are in good standing. The criteria include the recipient having been a member of the IAFP for at least ten years, has been involved in significant community service and civic activities, is a resident of Iowa, and is a role model for family physicians, residents and/or students. Both active and life members will be considered, however retirees will only be considered for up to five years after retirement.

Final selection remains the discretion of the Member Services Committee and the Board of Directors.

Past Honorees Include:
2000                                                 2001                                                2002                      
Charles Beckman, M.D.                    Thomas Carroll, M.D.                     William Baumann, M.D.       
Paul Fee, M.D.                                  James Coddington, M.D.                Forest Dean, M.D.
John Garred, M.D.                           James Dunlevy, M.D.                     James Kimball, M.D.
John Kelly, M.D.                               John Sear, M.D.                             Gary Levalley, M.D.
John Murphy, M.D.
Loran Parker, M.D.
Dennis Walter, M.D.

2003                                                  2004                                           2005                                       
John Andersen, M.D.                      Kenneth Andersen, M.D.           James Carr, M.D.  
John Hornberger, M.D.                    Robert Dunlay, M.D.                 Keith Garber, M.D. 
Robert Merrick, M.D.                      Scott Helmers, M.D.                 Donald Nelson, M.D.
Wayne Rouse, M.D.                         Peter Kepros, M.D.                  M. Gene Parks, M.D.
                                                        James Paulson, M.D.

2006                                                   2007               
Robert Wettach, M.D.                      Sherman Anthony, M.D.             
Richard Jongewaard, M.D.               Gerald McGowan, M.D.     
Don Boldt, M.D.
Leslie Weber, M.D.
Steve Eckstat, D.O.