MAUSTON DOCTOR IS FAMILY PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Award recognizes exemplary medical service to families, patients, community

The Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) announced October 1 that Dr. Leon Radant of Mauston is the recipient of its 2008 Family Physician of the Year Award, Dr. Radant has been a Family Physician in Juneau County since 1980.

"Radant exemplifies the very best of what Family Medicine has to offer in Wisconsin," said Lowell Keppel, M.D., president of WAFP. "Family physicians are an essential part of the fabric of their communities, both as doctors administering to their patients and as educators teaching new physicians. Radant has done an outstanding job bringing quality healthcare to a previously underserved region. We are proud to present this award to him."

Dr. Radant grew up in Central Wisconsin and received his Bachelor of Science and Medical Degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also completed his Residency in Family Medicine in Madison.

Dr. Radant has been recognized for excellence in primary care research by receiving the William Pickels Award in 1994. He has been involved in numerous initiatives to improve the quality of healthcare for patients. Through his work with the Wisconsin Research Network, Center for Disease Control, National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Dr. Radant has helped investigate childhood illness, monitor the regional occurrence of influenza, recruit and follow participants in clinical trials and aid in the development of guidelines for depression for the NIMH.

Dr. Radant's service to the community, his patients and his practice include positions on various health-focused committees to include co-chairing the Quality Improvement Committee for Hess Memorial Hospital from 1992-2000 and working to maintain high ethical standards with the Wisconsin Medical Society Committee on Ethics. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor with the University of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin and has been a preceptor for the Extern Program for the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians.

"I began practicing in the medically-underserved area of Juneau County in 1980," Dr. Radant said, "and have been fortunate to help build a practice and establish clinics in Elroy, New Lisbon, Necedah and Lake Delton. Our Mile Bluff Clinic in Mauston has grown to accommodate the increasing health needs of the community. This award is not just for me but recognizes the community and Mile Bluff Medical Center's and Clinic's leadership and staff. That's what it is about."

WAFP presents the annual Family Physician of the Year and Family Medicine Educator of the Year awards to recognize physicians and physician educators who serve their communities with compassion and comprehensive medical service. Recipients are involved in activities that enhance the quality of life in their communities, serve as healers to their patients and as teachers and educators to new physicians. Recipients also demonstrate a balance between career and family.  This year's Family Medicine Educator of the Year award goes to Byron Crouse, M.D., of Madison.

The 2008 awards are presented at the Academy's 60th Annual Meeting & CME Event, November 7 - 8 at Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells.