
The OAFP Foundation (Foundation) is pleased to announce that Jeffrey D. Bachtel, MD, FAAFP, of Tallmadge, OH, is the recipient of its 2021 Philanthropist of the Year Award.
The Philanthropist of the Year Award was established in December 1997 by the Board of Trustees to recognize an individual or individuals with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, national, or international level.
Dr. Bachtel has been practicing family medicine for over 35 years in his hometown of Tallmadge. He was selected for the 1981 BS/MD Charter Class at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and completed his residency at Akron General, now known as the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center. He then opened his own practice in Tallmadge alongside his wife, Anne.
Dr. Bachtel’s contributions to the Foundation go beyond his generous individual giving. He has shared his time and talents serving as a trustee from 2010-18. For all but one year of his service, Dr. Bachtel played a vital role in the Foundation’s success serving as treasurer. His dedication to watching over the Foundation’s finances and investments, and his valuable insight and knowledge on all of the fiduciary necessities of a non-profit Board, were key to ensuring a thriving future for the Foundation.
When asked about Dr. Bachtel’s contributions to the Foundation, Foundation Emeritus Trustee Ted Wymyslo, MD, FAAFP, shared, “Much of the current strength and stability of the Foundation is due to the many years of leadership and advice Jeff has provided to the organization. He has been a steady voice of support and knowledgeable guidance on policies and procedures that has allowed the Foundation to grow even during slow economic times nationally.”
“Throughout his many years of participation on the Board it was clear that his heart was just as engaged in ensuring our success as was his head, passionately encouraging others at every opportunity to get behind the purpose of the Foundation. With the high level of trust that our membership has in Jeff and his reputation as a critical thinker, his untiring support of Foundation programs has contributed greatly to our ability to maintain a strong Board leadership and a high level of membership engagement. By generously sharing his time, skills, and financial resources, Jeff has distinguished himself as an outstanding philanthropist worthy of this recognition,” continued Dr. Wymyslo.
The Foundation’s mission is to cultivate student career choice in the specialty of family medicine. While financial contributions and strong leadership skills are essential to meeting the mission, equally important is the ability to educate and mentor the next generation of family physicians.
Dr. Bachtel has further served his community over the past 35 years by volunteering as the team physician for Tallmadge High School. His role allows him to work with student athletes and offer mentorship opportunities to those who express interest in a medical career. He has also played an important role as a preceptor in the Foundation’s flagship program, the Leroy A. Rodgers, MD, Preceptorship program.
Following are additional remarks from colleagues who served on the Board with Dr. Bachtel over the years:
“Dr. Bachtel is a faithful donor and supporter through his talents as treasurer. He is a strong supporter of the Foundation’s filling the pipeline mission,” shared Ann Spicer, OAFP and Foundation Executive Vice President.
“Jeff always had the Foundation’s best financial interest at heart. He wanted us to be very secure,” said Renee Markovich, MD, FAAFP.
“He is the first to recommend contributing to the OAFP Foundation in any way possible. I think what always struck me most was his enthusiasm for the Foundation’s programs and their contribution to the family physician pipeline. His smiling face encouraging you to support the Foundation always brought positive results and his love of the OAFP and the Foundation always shined through everything he did,” said Linda Stone, MD, Foundation emeritus trustee.
Finally, a collection of remarks by Stan Anderson, MD, FAAFP, “Jeff is a Rock! Solid, dependable, loyal, and if you ever need someone to help, he is the best person to have in your corner. Jeff has impeccable taste. His collection of scotch is legendary and his generous spirit is such that he shares his generous amount of spirits. Jeff is not flashy. He is the epitome of a doer. He gets things done. Jeff is conscientious. He approaches issues and problems with a thorough well-reasoned manner. He is careful, diligent, and sees things through to the end. Jeff has so many layers. He acts, sings, directs. He is so cultured. His middle name should have been yogurt.”
Dr. Bachtel will be honored during the virtual Family Medicine Party on Friday, August 13, from 7-9 p.m. The evening will also include recognition of the 2021 Family Physician Mentorship Award recipient and trivia! Join your peers and congratulate our award winners during this casual, fun-filled evening – register today!
Congratulations, Dr. Bachtel!