AMA Honors U.S. Delegate Donna Christensen, M.D. With Top Government Service Award
WASHINGTON, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congresswoman Donna Christensen M.D. (D-VI), the only female physician in the U.S. House of Representatives, is honored tonight with the American Medical Association's (AMA) top government service award for an elected official. She will be presented with the award by chief medical editor for NBC News, Nancy Snyderman, M.D., at an awards dinner tonight in Washington, D.C. as part of the AMA's National Advocacy Conference.
"As both a physician and delegate to Congress, Dr. Christensen has dedicated her life's work to advancing public health," said AMA Board Chair Rebecca J. Patchin, M.D. "She currently chairs the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and sits on the Committee on Energy and Commerce's Health Subcommittee. Through her myriad legislative efforts, Congresswoman Christensen is recognized as a leading voice in working to ensure parity for the Americans in the U.S. Territories and to address the social determinants of health that not only cause and sustain, but that exacerbate the health inequities that disproportionately and detrimentally affect our nation's most vulnerable individuals and communities."
Congresswoman Christensen is one of nine 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.
"Through the Nathan Davis Awards, the American Medical Association salutes government officials who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve public health," said Dr. Patchin. "Award winners 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."
Congresswoman Christensen was nominated for the award by U.S. Representative Barbara Lee.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Dr. Nathan Davis Awards. Others being honored this year include Governor John F. Baldacci of Maine and Florida State Senator Don Gaetz.
SOURCE American Medical Association Foundation
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