The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health celebrated 50 years with a weekend of events in August honoring current and former staff, faculty, and residents. Though the department reached its 50th anniversary milestone in 2020, COVID-19 delayed in person gatherings making this year’s commemoration extra special.

Highlights included a formal dinner at Monona Terrace featuring a keynote address by American Medical Association Chief Health and Science Officer Frederick Chen, MD, MPH, and a family picnic at Vilas Park in Madison.

It was a great opportunity to connect with the many new and old friends who have contributed to the success of DFMCH over the years. Thank you!

DFMCH Photo of current and present Chairs

Current DFMCH Chair, David Rakel, MD, (back row, center) joined some past chairs in a picture with department founder, Marc Hansen, MD, (front row, center) at the DFMCH 50th Anniversary Dinner. Back row from left: James Davis, MD, MS, (interim chair 2006-2008); Rakel; William Schwab, MD, (interim chair 2020-2021). Front row from left: Valerie Gilchrist, MD, (chair 2008-2020); Hansen; John Frey, MD, (chair 1993-2006).

DFMCH: 50 Years and Forward Video

Health care lives in the day to day. Learn more about how the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health continues to commit itself to caring, teaching, researching, leading, and partnering for 50 years and forward.

DFMCH 50th Anniversary Dinner

The DFMCH celebrated its 50th Anniversary with dinner and a keynote speech by Dr. Frederick Chen (American Medical Association/University of Washington) at Monona Terrace on August 27, 2022. DFMCH marked 50 years in 2020 but the celebration was postponed due to COVID-19.

DFMCH 50th Anniversary Family Picnic

The DFMCH celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a family picnic at Vilas Park in Madison on Sunday, August 28, 2022.

Published: September 2022