AMA HONORS CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLYMEMBER RICHARD PAN, M.D. WITH TOP GOVERNMENT SERVICE AWARD
WASHINGTON - March 6, 2014 - The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Assemblymember Richard Pan, M.D., a pediatrician and representative for the California State Assembly's 9th District and the chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service.
“Dr. Pan’s outstanding leadership in public health has helped California families build safer, healthier communities,” said AMA Chair David O. Barbe, M.D., MHA. “Dr. Pan is recognized for his commitment to improving the lives of Californians for generations to come through access to affordable, quality health care.”
Dr. Pan is one of four honorees chosen this year to receive the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. The award, named for the founding father of the AMA, recognizes elected and career officials in federal, state or municipal service whose outstanding contributions have promoted the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Dr. Nathan Davis Awards. Since 1989, the AMA has honored 216 men and women with the Nathan Davis Award. Past award recipients have included:
• Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, who raised awareness of HIV/AIDS and the dangers of smoking.
• Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, who sought better health care for our nation’s veterans.
• Sen. Mark Hatfield, who championed research into rare diseases.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Ricardo Martinez, who worked with the auto industry and consumer groups to maximize automobile safety.
"During the last quarter century of the Nathan Davis Awards, the AMA has sought to recognize government officials who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve public health,” said Dr. Barbe. “Award winners have come from every branch of government service and are a testament to the important role public officials play in creating and implementing health policy that benefits Americans.”
Dr. Pan was nominated for the award by the executive director of the National Consumers League.
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Media Contact:
Kelly Jakubek
AMA Editorial & Media
(312) 464-4443
kelly.jakubek@ama-assn.org
About the AMA
The American Medical Association is the premier national organization dedicated to empowering the nation’s physicians to continually provide safer, higher quality, and more efficient care to patients and communities. For more than 165 years the AMA has been unwavering in its commitment to using its unique position and knowledge to shape a healthier future for America.