Family Physicians Honored for Achievements in Medicine, Public Health and Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 20, 2026

Media Contact:
AAFP Public Relations
pr@aafp.org​

NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Today, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognized eight family physicians for their exceptional contributions to family medicine and the communities they serve. The recipients were recognized at the AAFP's annual Congress of Delegates in Nashville, TN.

"The AAFP is proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of these family physicians. Their impact on the specialty will be felt for years to come, through their service in areas near to home and far, through medical education and mentorship and through innovative research,” said Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, president, AAFP. “Most of all, I admire their commitment to recognizing they the power to impact their communities and our health care system for the better.”

The family physicians recognized today are:

Charles Rhodes, MD, FAAFP, received the Humanitarian Award for his enduring commitment to bringing high-quality, compassionate care to communities with limited access to health services. Through numerous medical missions to the Dominican Republic and opening a hospital in San Juan, Rhodes has turned service into impact. That same commitment guides his work in North Carolina today, where he continues to care for patients.

Jonathan Temte, MD, MS, PhD, received the John G. Walsh Award for Lifetime Contributions to Family Medicine in recognition of his work in leadership, education and research. As the first family physician to chair the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Tempte elevated the voice of family medicine in national vaccine policy. His work to strengthen Wisconsin’s practice-based research infrastructure leaves a lasting legacy for family medicine education and patient care.

Lisa Ramani Villarroel, MD, FAAFP, received the Public Health Award for her leadership in bolstering Arizona's public health infrastructure and improving access to care across the state. She helmed high-impact initiatives that connect patients with needed care, including the Arizona Surge Line, AZ REACH, the Arizona Pain and Addiction Curriculum and the Arizona Statewide Clinical Opioid Workgroup. As the Chief Medical Officer for Public Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services, Villarroel continues to improve community health.

Cristen Page, MD, MPH, received the Robert Graham Physician Executive Award for her contributions to medical education and health care administration through her roles with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and as UNC Health's CEO. In these roles, she has driven strategic initiatives, championed research and expanded UNC Health's reach into rural communities. Her work demonstrates the impact of physician leadership in building stronger health systems, with primary care at the center.

Joseph Gravel, Jr., MD, FAAFP, received the Thomas W. Johnson Award for Career Contributions to Family Medicine Education in recognition of a career devoted to medical education and mentorship. His work has cemented him as an innovator in curriculum development where his work has strengthened medical education programs and empowered generations of family physicians. He has supported hundreds of family physicians who have gone on to become program directors, researchers and leaders in the specialty.

Drew Baird, MD, Caleb Dickison, DO, and Hayley Spires, MD, were recognized for the American Family Physician's signature award, the Article of the Year. Their article, "Lower Extremity Abnormalities in Children," offers practical guidance to help family physicians support patients with confidence and compassion.

###

About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 124,500 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit AAFP.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, FamilyDoctor.org​.