FORT BELVOIR, Va., July 13, 2011 " The American Academy of Family Physicians recently named a second-year family practice resident at DeWitt Army Community Hospital as a recipient of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education.
Maj. Christopher Ledford, now a third-year family resident at the hospital, will receive the award during the 2011 AAFP Scientific Assembly at Orlando, Fla., in September.
Only 10 outstanding family practice residents will receive the award this year, which includes a $1,000 scholarship to help outstanding new physicians planning careers in family medicine. Ledford is the military’s only recipient.
“When I found out I was going to receive the award, I was honored, surprised, humbled and extremely pleased,” Ledford said.
Receiving the award for excellence in academics, patient care and community service, Ledford said his training at DeWitt ACH helped him become eligible for the award.
“I think the award reflects incredibly well on DeWitt’s residency program,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the great mentors in the program.”
As one of the oldest family residency programs in the U.S. Army, the National Capital Consortium " DeWitt ACH Family Medicine Residency was founded in 1973. More than 220 residents have graduated the program, which is the military’s only multi-service, family medicine, residency program, said Dr. (Lt. Col.) Kevin Moore, deputy commander of education, training and research at DeWitt ACH.
With more than 90,000 military beneficiaries receiving health care at DeWitt ACH, the residency program provides “outstanding educational opportunities for our residents,” he said.
Referring to Ledford’s nomination, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Dean Seehusen " program director for the NCC-DACH Family Medicine Residency Program " said the award is a very competitive and prestigious one that embodies Ledford’s work and dedication.
“Maj. Ledford was recognized based on his demonstrated academic and leadership abilities, as well as his potential for future success in family medicine,” Seehusen said. As a result of his award nomination, Ledford will be a guest of honor at the American Academy of Family Physicians Scientific Assembly in September. The American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation advances the values of family medicine by promoting humanitarian, educational and scientific initiatives that improve the health of all people.
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