Governor Bullock Recipient of 2021 mma Award of Merit; Physician Leaders recognized at annual meeting

The Montana Medical Association (MMA) today announced Governor Steve Bullock as the recipient of the 2021 Award of Merit and awarded two physicians for their significant contributions to improving health care in the state of Montana.

Lauren S. Wilson, M.D., medical director of Community Children’s at Community Medical Center in Missoula, was the recipient of the Doctor Jack McMahon Service to Montana Physicians Award for her important contributions to the advancement of the physician profession while providing quality care to children and families. Sarah F. Morgan, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, was awarded the Legacy of Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions to advancing Montana’s health system and her compassion in pursuing patient-centered decision-making. The three awardees were officially named and awarded during the 143^rd MMA Annual Meeting from September 17-18, 2021.

“The MMA is honored to present Governor Bullock with the Award of Merit for his work promoting policy efforts to improve health care delivery and the health and well-being of all Montanans,” said MMA President Pamela V. Cutler, M.D. “His leadership in bridging bipartisan solutions to health care inequities through the passage and reauthorization of Medicaid expansion in our state was instrumental in removing barriers to access to affordable care in Montana.”

“Dr. Wilson demonstrated incredible drive and focus on providing evidence-based education to inform legislative decision-makers during the 2021 legislative session,” said Dr. Cutler. “Throughout the year, she cares for patients and is always willing to provide a strong public voice in driving advocacy and shaping the future for improved child health in Montana through her active participation as a member of both the Montana Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics and the MMA, and as a co-lead educator for the Pediatric Fundamentals in Critical Care Support.”

“As an outstanding physician leader, Dr. Morgan has been commended and recognized by our health care leadership program graduates,” said Dr. Cutler. “She has provided exceptional leadership in Montana’s health care arena as a member of the MMA Board of Trustees, serving as President of the Montana Chapter of the American College of Emergency Practitioners and supporting the WWAMI program in assisting students.”

An overview of each award is available below:

Montana Medical Association Award of Merit – Established in 1975 to honor individuals associated with the Association whose actions have led to the betterment of health care in Montana. The nominee must have a demonstrated commitment and dedication to patient health care and initiated efforts or taken action to improve health care in Montana.
Doctor Jack McMahon Service to Montana Physicians Award – Established to recognize individuals who have made important contributions to the advancement of the physician profession. The nominee must have a history of demonstrating a commitment to the physician profession demonstrated through actions taken to promote the profession, advocate for the continued improvement of the profession, and enhance the professional lives of Montana physicians.
MMA Legacy of Leadership Award – Recognizes and celebrates Montana’s exceptional health care leaders who, by inspiring change, have made long-lasting and outstanding contributions to advancing Montana’s health system while providing quality health care. The award, created in honor of Peter S. Sorini, M.D. and A. Craig Eddy, M.D., J.D., is selected by graduates from the Healthcare Excellence in Leadership Program (HELP). Nominees must be one of the 135 talented health care leaders that have finished the HELP program and are selected by fellow graduates of the program.

Resolutions submitted by the MMA Executive Committee detailing the full details on each awardee’s accomplishments and service to Montana patients are attached.