Congratulations to Bill Schwab, MD (Professor Emerit) on receiving the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) 2025 Thomas W. Johnson Award for Career Contributions to Family Medicine Education! In recognition of his outstanding contributions over his 40-year career, Schwab will be honored at the AAFP Congress of Delegates in Anaheim, California on October 5, 2025.
Bill Schwab, MD
“It has been such a privilege to have had an extended career with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health that enabled me to do so many fulfilling things. Awards like this really reflect the strength of our entire department. In my view, this recognition is truly shared with the many faculty, staff, and resident colleagues I have worked with over the years, as well as with my family,” said Schwab.
Some contributions by Schwab highlighted by the AAFP include his relationship-centered leadership, guiding the training of over 600 residents, leading successful initiatives such as the Wisconsin Rural Physician Residency Assistance Program, the EnRICH mentorship program, and the first AMA Foundation-funded LGBTQ+ health fellowship. Schwab has presented in 41 states and multiple countries, served for many years on the board of the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care, and received the inaugural Arnold P. Gold Humanism in Medicine Award for advancing compassionate, whole-person care. The AAFP noted that Schwab has “consistently emphasized the importance of preparing family physicians to serve all patients in all settings with particular attention to the needs of patients with disabilities and those in the LGBTQ+ community.”
“We are so happy to have Dr. Schwab’s contribution to education recognized through this national award,” said David Rakel, MD, department chair. “He has touched so many lives through his education, advocacy, and skilled leadership. This will be passed on for generations.”
The Johnson award was established by the AAFP in 1973 to recognize outstanding contributions to family medicine education. The AAFP champions family medicine and seeks to improve the health of patients, families, and communities through the advancement of the specialty.
Published: August 2025