FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025
Contact:
Celia Searles
AAFP Public Relations
csearles@aafp.org
ANAHEIM, Calif.—Today, the American Academy of Family Physicians recognized six family physicians for their exceptional contributions to family medicine, their patients and their communities. The recipients were recognized at the AAFP’s annual Congress of Delegates.
Scott Kellerman, MD, received the Humanitarian Award for his contributions to global health. Kellerman founded the Bwindi Community Hospital and the African University of Science and Management in Uganda, which has helped prevent epidemics and strengthened public health education in sub-Saharan Africa. He continues to inspire and serve others globally through his teaching at three universities, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Arvind Goyal, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAFP, received the Public Health Award for his efforts to bridge structural inequities and barriers faced by underserved populations. Through his work for the state of Illinois, which included influencing policy around texting-while-driving and removal of tobacco products from major pharmacy chains, Dr. Goyal has improved care for 3.6 million people in the state.
Joy Shen-Wagner, MD, FAAFP, Joel Amidon, MD, and Stephen Carek, MD, FAAFP were awarded the American Family Physician Article of the Year for their scholarly contributions to family medicine. Their article, “Diagnosing Common Benign Skin Tumors,” includes comprehensive research on dermatologic care.
Bill Schwab, MD, was honored with the Thomas W. Johnson Award for his contributions to family medicine education. Throughout his career, Schwab has trained over 600 residents and hundreds of medical students to care for all types of patients. His commitment to training the next generation of family physicians has led to the provision of care for patients with complex health conditions and in underserved communities.
“The AAFP is proud to celebrate this year’s award recipients, whose unwavering dedication reflects the very best of family medicine. These honorees know firsthand how primary care transforms lives—strengthening communities, improving health outcomes and ensuring patients have access to the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve,” said AAFP President Jen Brull, MD, FAAFP.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 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.