AMA Honors Vice Admiral John Mateczun, M.D., With Top Government Service Award

WASHINGTON, March 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vice Admiral John Mateczun, M.D., is honored tonight with the American Medical Association's (AMA) top government service award. He 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.

"Vice Admiral Mateczun has dedicated himself to the care of military patients and their families," said AMA Board Chair Rebecca J. Patchin, M.D.  "His insight and conviction led to the establishment of Combat Stress Centers during Operation Desert Storm and his work focuses on battling the stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental health issues."

Vice Admiral Mateczun 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."

Vice Admiral Mateczun was nominated for the award by Dr. Michael Kilpatrick, Director of Strategic Communications, Military Health System.

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 Donna Christensen, M.D., delegate to Congress from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE American Medical Association Foundation