Cody Klinker, MD

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) is pleased to announce that Cody Klinker, MD, PGY3, is the recipient of its 2025 Resident Leadership Award.

The OAFP presents the Resident Leadership Award to an individual who has exhibited leadership and shows dedication to promoting family medicine, practices a high degree of professionalism, and possess immense promise as a family physician.

Dr. Klinker earned his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences in Toledo, OH. He then matched to the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Columbus, OH.

“I have been so blessed to be in places of learning that allowed me to grow and thrive, not only as a physician, but as a person,” said Dr. Klinker. “As I begin my time as an attending, I will take with me the skills and experiences that have brought me to this point. I plan to continue being a leader for my patients, my community, and family medicine.”

Dr. Klinker received the American Academy of Family Physicians Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education in 2024. This prestigious, annual award nationally recognizes 12 residents for their contributions to patient care, interpersonal relationships, leadership, and community involvement.

Dr. Klinker participates in numerous leadership and volunteer experiences. While in residency, he also serves as a resident team physician for Thomas Worthington High School; is a camp counselor and physician volunteer for Flying Horse Farms, an organization providing summer camp experiences for children with a wide variety of medical diagnosis; and has more than 350 volunteer hours at the Toledo free clinic. He is also a resident representative for the OhioHealth Clinically Integrated Network Leadership Council, provides care to underserved patients through OhioHealth’s Wellness on Wheels mobile unit, and is a clinical instructor at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Nominated by his residency program’s director and associate directors, they praise Dr. Klinker for his ability to serve his community, his patients, and his peers. “Even as he approaches the end of his residency training, he remains fully engaged in every opportunity to improve our program, support his co-residents, and further the field of family medicine. We will be proud to call him a graduate of our training program and he will no doubt continue to be a future exemplary leader for family medicine in Ohio.”

“I am surrounded by so many people doing incredible things in healthcare and family medicine, and I would be remiss to not acknowledge all of their efforts, as well. Together, we make the future bright for family medicine and healthcare in general,” said Dr. Klinker.

Having previously served as Resident Director on the OAFP Board of Directors, the OAFP congratulates Dr. Klinker for this well-deserved recognition as the Resident Leadership Award recipient and wishes him success in the next steps of his family medicine journey.

To learn more about the Resident Leadership Award, please visit the OAFP website.

The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians is a statewide, professional association with more than 4,700 members, including practicing physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students. The scope of family medicine encompasses all ages, both sexes, and every disease entity. Family physicians provide comprehensive, continuing care to all members of the family. For more information, visit the OAFP website.

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