MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. -- University of Michigan Health System physician Michael Szymanski, M.D., was selected as the Family Physician of the Year by the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP). The announcement was made during the Annual Congress of Delegates meeting held July 28 on Mackinac Island.

Szymanski, who sees patients at UMHS's Dexter Family Practice, received his medical degree from the University of Michigan after receiving his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. He completed his family practice residency at St. John Hospital in Detroit. He is board certified in family practice and a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Szymanski is a long-standing physician in the Dexter community. He joined the U-M several years ago as part of the expansion of the Family Medicine department's clinical network. He currently serves the Dexter community as a clinical faculty member of U-M Medical School with a nearly full-time clinical practice in addition to substantial resident and medical student teaching responsibilities.

In letters of support of his nomination, Szymanski is described as an excellent diagnostician who sees the whole person in his examination. He takes his time and doesn't hurry through the exam. In addition, he is very knowledgeable and keeps current with his treatments. His schedule is always full, according to the nomination letters, but he is always willing to make room for one more if a patient needs him.

"This award is better than receiving a Tony Award," says Szymanski, an ardent fan of musical theater. "But just like any great actor who has appeared in an award-winning show, I know that it would have never been possible without a great supporting cast and crew."

Szymanski has lived and practiced medicine in Dexter for more than 20 years and has strong community support. He has been the football team physician for more than 20 years, surpassing the longevity of any of the coaches or trainers. He has had many acting roles with the Dexter Community Players and supports all Dexter school and community events.

The MAFP has also benefited from Szymanski's volunteer efforts. He has served on the organization's board of directors and on numerous committees. He has been elected to the of-fices of 2nd vice president, vice president, president-elect, president and immediate past president. He continues to serve the academy as president of the MAFP Foundation; this after doing volunteer work for the foundation for many years.

The MAFP is an association of more than 3,200 Michigan family physicians whose mission is to promote excellence in health care and the betterment of the health of the American people. The headquarters office is located in Okemos. During the past 55 years, the academy has worked to provide responsible advocacy for and education of patients and the public in all health-related matters. One of the primary objectives is to promote the science and art of family medicine and to ensure an optimal supply of well-trained family physicians. The group also works hard to preserve quality cost-effective health care. The MAFP is a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the largest medical specialty society in the U.S., representing more than 90,000 family physicians nationwide. The AAFP is head-quartered in Leawood, Kan.

CONTACT:
Janice Klos or Deborah Windish
Michigan Academy of Family Physicians
800-833-5151 or 517-347-0098

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