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Since 1977, NDMA has honored physicians with the Physician Community and Professional Services Award. The award recognizes physicians for outstanding leadership and service to the people of North Dakota, who serve as role models, and who are active in both their profession and their community.
Dr. Field was nominated by Bismarck Public Health Director Renae Moch for his outstanding work in public health. In addition to his full-time medical practice work, Dr. Field has diligently served for many years as the public health officer for multiple counties, some of which he still serves. During his tenure, he mentored many new local health officers.
His efforts have been instrumental in improving the health and safety of local communities. Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Field stepped up to support the front-line public health workforce. He was a voice for public health by advocating to many boards and decision makers for the health and safety of all residents.
Dr. Field participates in NDMA’s Physicians Advisory Group and offers great insight. He has a passion for community health and continues to promote a stronger public health system to respond to future public health emergencies. Dr. Field demonstrates professionalism, a generous heart, and a passion for community health.
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Friend of Medicine
Ted Uecker
Ted Uecker, Fund Development Officer, West River Health Services Foundation (left); and Dr. Joshua Ranum (right).
The North Dakota Medical Association created the Friend of Medicine Award in 1999 to formally acknowledge non-physician citizens of our state who have distinguished themselves by serving as effective advocates for health care, patient services, or the profession of medicine in North Dakota.
Ted was nominated by NDMA member Dr. Joshua Ranum, who recognized the good work begin done by Ted. He has reenergized a languishing foundation, allowing West River Health Services to take on several ambitious projects to improve healthcare in the rural southwest community.
Philanthropy is vital for rural healthcare, but fundraising can be challenging in rural communities as the pool of donors is smaller than in urban areas. Despite those challenges, Ted excels in this position, making it possible for rural healthcare to meet its goals. He developed recruitment and retention endowment funds for physicians and staff, recognizing the importance of staff to any healthcare organization. He is a West River community ambassador and a passionate advocate for rural health. His enthusiasm for what’s possible in rural healthcare is contagious.
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NDMA COPIC Humanitarian Award
Joan Connell, MD
Pediatrician, UND Center for Family Medicine
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The North Dakota COPIC Humanitarian Award is presented annually to honor a physician for volunteer medical services and contributions to their community. COPIC seeks to recognize physicians who volunteer outside the spectrum of their day-to-day lives. The recipient of the award designates a $10,000 donation from COPIC to be provided to a health care-related 501(c)(3) organization within North Dakota.
Nominated by Dr. Michael Jankoviak, he sees firsthand Dr. Connell's fierce dedication to always put the patient first. Her success in treating acute and complicated medical patients requires many focused hours outside of the office visit. She tirelessly searches for and finds the best support for her patients’ needs. While this could be said of many physicians, Dr. Connell has an intense desire to improve her patients' health trajectory. She has become known as the go-to person when navigating some of the most challenging patient care hurdles. She volunteers many hours researching and navigating possible solutions to consistently and successfully achieve that goal. The time and tenacity required to accomplish this successfully can never occur in an 8-minute office visit.
Through her 20-plus years in medicine, she has served as a health advocate and leader, going out of her way to make a difference by serving as NDMA’s Physician Advisory Group Chair, advocating for underserved populations and many other health-related causes. Her tireless efforts are truly noteworthy of recognition. When it comes to advocating for medicine, she is a true champion.
Pictured from left to right: Soul proprietor Jenny Maattala, Dr. Joan Connell, Beverly Razon, Copic Senior Vice President and Public Affairs, Soul 57 Chair of the Board Allison Hilleren.
Dr. Connell selected Soul 57 as the recipient of the $10,000 Copic donation. Pictured from left to right: Soul 57 Founder and Executive Director Jenny Maattala; Dr. Joan Connell; Copic Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Beverly Razon; and Soul 57 Board Chair Allison Hilleren.
Soul 57 strives to provide a community for youth who've experienced the tragedy of losing a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. With the help of mental health professionals and trained individuals who provide tools in the grieving process, Soul 57 offers a setting where youth can connect, communicate, and navigate their grief with peers who have experienced similar loss.
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