LEAWOOD, Kans. - Michael T. Werner, MD, a practicing family physician in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, is among a select group of physicians honored by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation for his commitment to education in the field of family medicine. Dr. Werner was selected to receive the 2009 Pfizer Teacher Development Award based on his scholastic achievement, leadership qualities and dedication to family medicine.

Mark H. Belfer, D.O., AAFP Foundation President, said, "I applaud the efforts of these award winners for their dedication to the values of family medicine and to teaching the next generation of physicians. In addition, I am very thankful for Pfizer's continued commitment in this area."

The $1,500 award recognizes community-based physicians who teach family medicine on a part-time basis. The award provides funding for each recipient to attend an activity of choice to further their professional development and teaching skills.

Dr. Werner earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Fox Valley Family Medicine Residency Program, in Appleton, where he continues to serve as a part-time Clinical Assistant Professor. His full-time practice is with Kaukauna Clinic.

Dr. Werner commented, "I have been fortunate to have had great teachers who took the time to share their experiences while I was in training. Now I have the opportunity to pass that knowledge on to future family physicians. It is a privilege and an honor to take part in the medical education process and I thank all those who have given me this opportunity."

Dr. Lee Vogel, Campus Director of the Fox Valley Residency Program, stated, "Dr. Werner is truly exceptional - as a human being, as a family physician, as an educator of family medicine residents and medical students, and as a colleague, role model and emerging leader. He is the quintessential community faculty teacher. We're pretty proud and lucky - he's a graduate of our training program who has remained in our community to care for patients and teach new physicians, and now he's been awarded this national honor."

Dr. Valerie Gilchrist, Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin added, "I've observed that Dr. Werner is an excellent physician teacher - knowledgeable, perceptive of student needs, considerate of patients, and above all a skilled clinician. The Fox Valley Residency program is fortunate to have such excellent community physicians."

The AAFP Foundation, which administers the Pfizer Teacher Development Award, is the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The AAFP Foundation advances the values of family medicine by promoting humanitarian, educational and scientific initiatives that improve the health of all people. Please visit www.aafpfoundation.org for more information.

For more information contact: Patricia Emer, UW Fox Valley Family Medicine Residency Program, (920) 997-8413

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