The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians will recognize Terry Wagner, DO, FAAFP, of Stow, OH, with its 2016 Family Physician of the Year Award on Saturday, August 13, during its Academy Award Dinner.
Dr. Wagner is partner/president of Hudson Family Practice in Stow, OH, where he has practiced family medicine since 1997.
“I had an innate sense that I wanted to take care of people. A ‘doctor’ to me was the person who cared for the family, who diagnosed the problems, treated the illness, held the hand, and listened. Little did I know that what I wanted from the start was to be a family physician. That desire never faded from those early days, and nothing was going to stand in my way,” said Dr. Wagner.
What makes Dr. Wagner so special and unique is his compassionate dedication to his patients and family; he dedicates all of his time to his patients and staff and his wife, Erika, and children, Hailey, Madison, and Connor.
“He comes alive in the exam rooms with his patients with true concern and dedication for their well-being, and they feel it. He treats patients with a love and compassion that is rarely seen these days, and is noticeable. He is never too busy to hold the hand of a depressed patient, to comfort someone when they are afraid, to explain details when a patient is overwhelmed, or to simply listen to a proud grandmother brag on about her grandchildren.
He makes each and every one feel special, as if they are his only patient in the whole world. And they know it. Patients will wait months just to see him, and many travel across the state to see him so they don’t have to find another physician. It is not uncommon to hear ‘I have never had a doctor like Dr. Wagner, and I never will’ multiple times a week. We have patients in the Carolinas, Florida, Nevada, Texas, California, and as far as Mexico City, Mexico,” said Cathi Phillips, a medical assistant at Hudson Family Practice.
His patients love him soo much that a record-breaking 148 patients nominated him for this award! And, that included the Hudson Fire and Police departments and other community leaders.
When not at the office, Dr. Wagner spends all of his time with his family; they like to take hikes, travel to national parks and other fun destinations, and are active in their school community.
A quality improvement champion, Dr. Wagner serves as the chair of the OAFP Practice Transformation Commission and a trustee on the board of the OAFP Foundation. His local volunteer activities include precepting medical students and residents, and service on the Akron General Medical Center PHO Board of Directors, OPEN-M Charitable Ministry, and “the life of a doctor” presentations to local elementary schools.
Dr. Wagner graduated with his bachelor of science in biology from the University of Akron and earned his doctor of osteopathy at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, OH. He completed his residency training at Akron General Medical Center Family Practice Residency. He is board certified in family medicine.
The Wagners reside in Barberton.
The OAFP annually presents the Family Physician of the Year Award to an individual who meets and exceeds the criteria of being an outstanding family physician role model; maintaining high professional standards and service orientations; providing high quality and family-centered, continuing health care; and being active in community, education, or other public affairs. Also, candidates must have 10 years post-residency (or equivalent) experience, currently be in practice, and be a member of the OAFP.
Also during the awards ceremony, Chris Bernheisel, MD, of Cincinnati, will be presented with the OAFP Family Medicine Educator of the Year Award.
OAFP members are welcome to attend the Academy Awards Dinner at no charge; however, pre-registration is required. For more information on the Members Assembly and to register, please visit the OAFP website.