2023 AWARD WINNERS
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary and sustained service and commitment to the field of medical licensure and discipline.
J. Daniel Gifford, MD
In addition to serving as a member of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Alabama Department of Public Health, Dr. Gifford served on the FSMB Board of Directors for six years, including one year as Chair. Dr. Gifford has played a crucial role in developing state and national policy in the battle against the opioid epidemic, including helping draft FSMB’s “Model Policy on DATA 2000 and Treatment of Opioid Addiction in the Medical Office.” As FSMB Chair, he appointed a workgroup on opioid addiction to review and update the organization’s model policy on the “Use of Opioid Analgesics in the Treatment of Chronic Pain” and continues to represent FSMB on the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic.
R. David Henderson, JD
Mr. Henderson joined the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) as a staff attorney in 1996 and quickly rose to Executive Director in 2003, later becoming Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the NCMB has become a national model for transparency, innovative use of technology, community outreach, and education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Henderson facilitated the Board’s transition to digital workflows and live streaming of Board meetings. He has championed investment in data research, leading the development of a data strategy to improve the Board’s capacity to identify trends in medical regulation. Mr. Henderson has been active with FSMB since 2005, serving on a variety of committees, including the Advisory Council of Board Executives.
Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented in recognition of the highest level of service, commitment, and contribution to the FSMB; the advancement of the profession of medical licensure and discipline; and the strengthening and enhancement of public protection.
Ruth Martinez, MA, CMBE
Ms. Martinez is a highly respected public servant who dedicated 35 years to the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. As Executive Director of the Board from 2014 to her retirement in February 2023, she oversaw the agency’s mission to protect public health and safety through regulation of eight healthcare professions. Ms. Martinez was instrumental in the adoption of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and served as Commissioner, Vice-Chair, and on various committees. She actively served the FSMB on the USMLE Committee on Individualized Review and the Education Committee, presenting at several Annual Meetings and recruiting several Minnesota Board members for FSMB leadership roles.
Leadership Award
This award is presented in recognition of outstanding and exemplary leadership, commitment, and contribution in advancing the public good at the medical board level.
Nicole Krishnaswami, JD
Oregon Medical Board
Robert Sticca, MD, FACS
North Dakota Board of Medicine
The Award of Merit
This award is presented in recognition of an activity or contribution that has positively impacted and strengthened the profession of medical licensure and discipline and helped enhance public protection.
Brian Blankenship, JD
North Carolina Medical Board
Marisa Courtney
Washington Medical Commission
Paul W. Larson, MS
Paul Larson Communications (Retired)
Barbara Prah-Wix, DO
Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine
Journal of Medical Regulation Awards of Excellence
These awards are presented in recognition of an outstanding editorial
contribution to the Journal of Medical Regulation.
Norman T. Reynolds, MD
Award for Excellence in Editorial Writing
Jimi Bush, MPA & Sarah Chenvert, MBA
Award for Distinguished Scholarship
Tristan McIntosh, PhD et al.
Award for Distinguished Scholarship
Heidi M. Koenig, MD
Special Recognition of Service to JMR
In Memoriam
As we reflect upon the past year, we are deeply saddened by the loss of remarkable individuals whose indelible contributions have shaped our industry. Their visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and enduring impact will forever be remembered, and we pay tribute to their extraordinary legacies.
Freda Bush, MD
Mississippi
1947-2023
Venkat Kondragunta Rao, MD
Michigan
1951-2023
Grant LaFarge, MD
New Mexico
1929-2023
Hormoz Rassekh, MD
Iowa
1928-2023