AMA Honors Washington State Health Officer With Top Award

WASHINGTON, March 15 /U.S. Newswire/ — Edmund W. Gray, M.D., a public health officer with the Washington State Department of Health, was honored last evening with the highest award the American Medical Association (AMA) can bestow on a public official.

Dr. Gray was one of eight 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.

“The Nathan Davis Awards highlight the significant accomplishments attained by those in government service who are giving of themselves to advance the health and well-being of all,” said AMA President J. Edward Hill, M.D.

“Dr. Gray was recognized for his 45 years of steadfast commitment to the public health needs of the Tri-County Health District in Northeastern Washington State,” Dr. Hill said. “He is also honored for his important leadership in developing the architecture for the Washington State Basic Health Plan, an innovative program that provides insurance coverage to the state’s uninsured and underinsured residents.”

He was nominated for the award by the Washington State Medical Association.

This year marks the 18th anniversary for the Dr. Nathan Davis Awards. Recipients of this year’s awards also include Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona and House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert of Illinois. The awards were presented in conjunction with the AMA National Advocacy Conference at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.

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