Each Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) member fulfills a very important duty in their community and is a trusted resource for their patients.
This year, the OAFP is pleased to announce the following award recipients, nominated and chosen by their community and colleagues, who are believed to go above and beyond in their respective careers:
Family Physician of the Year – Shelley Blackburn, MD
Family Physician
Rivers Edge Family Medicine
Columbus, OH
“I have loved and cherished being a family physician for almost forty years. It has been the privilege of my life to care for and learn from my patients these many years. I am thankful for all of my teachers and colleagues who have made me who I am today, giving me guidance along my path to be the best family physician I can be.”
Family Medicine Educator of the Year – Megan Rich, MD, MEd
Program Director and Professor
The Christ Hospital/University of Cincinnati Family Medicine Residency Program
Cincinnati, OH
“I hope that graduates of the program will look back and know how well they were supported during these formative years. I hope that they remember how much I cared for them. I hope the foundation of residency training affords them the strength and the certainty to do what is right throughout their careers. I think those hopes mostly come to fruition. And that right there is a very great honor.”
Resident Leadership Award Recipient – Cody Klinker, MD
Resident, PGY3
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
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. 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.”
Friend of Family Medicine – Caroline Stephenson
Medical Education Senior Program Consultant
OhioHealth Grant Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program
Columbus, OH
“I’m so lucky to be a part of this field and work alongside such amazing family physicians. I’m grateful for all the support and guidance I’ve received so far, and I look forward to all that’s ahead.”
The OAFP is thankful to those who took the time to nominate and uplift each nominee in this year’s awards program, as well as those former recipients who volunteered to serve on the Awards Workgroup, tasked with the challenge of selecting each recipient from a pool of exceptional candidates.