Thank you to all who participated in the NDMA Annual Meeting & Leadership Awards Ceremony.
It was a great success!
Here are some highlights:
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Physician Community & Professional Services: Dr. Robert Sticca
Friend of Medicine: Renee Daffinrud
Copic Humanitarian: Dr. Julie Blehm
Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Policy: Senator Scott Meyer
40 Year Medical School Graduates
The 2025 NDMA Annual Meeting Leadership Awards Ceremony once again showed an impressive slate of recipients. Over 100 participants gathered to help celebrate outstanding healthcare leadership!
This year's elite group of distinguished award recipients is as follows:
Physician Community & Professional Services
Robert Sticca, MD
Surgical Oncology, Fargo
Since 1977, NDMA has honored physicians with this prestigious Physician Community and Professional Services Award. The award recognizes physicians for outstanding leadership and service, who serve as role models and are actively engaged in their profession and community.
Nominated by Dr. Stephanie Dahl, Dr. Robert Sticca, a distinguished surgeon, educator, researcher, and servant-leader, has an extensive history of contributions to medicine, education, and public service.
He served as Professor of Surgery and Director of Surgical Oncology at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and is an engaged and respected member of several professional societies. He served as President of the North Dakota Chapter of the American College of Surgeons from 2019 to 2021 and was a member of the executive council from 2005 to 2023. He also served on the North Dakota Board of Medicine as vice-chair and chair.
Dr. Sticca also brings honor through his military service, having served in both the United States Air Force Medical Corps and the Army Reserve Medical Corps, and was recognized for his outstanding contributions across multiple areas.
In addition, Dr. Sticca actively volunteers with the North Dakota Cancer Coalition, the American Cancer Society, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. He has also participated in multiple medical missions to Ecuador and Haiti, bringing life-saving care to underserved populations with compassion, dignity, and dedication. His unwavering dedication to advancing surgical care, mentoring the next generation of surgeons, and serving the greater community is nothing short of inspiring.
Friend of Medicine
Renee Daffinrud
First International Bank & Trust
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.
Renee was nominated by Bismarck Cancer Center Medical Director Dr. Robert Reynolds to recognize her outstanding volunteer contributions and commitment to physicians and patients.
When it comes to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, Renee initially became motivated to volunteer for the foundation in 2007 after her father was diagnosed with cancer. Through her father’s treatment at the Cancer Center, she witnessed genuine care and true kindness. She joined the foundation’s advisory board in 2010, served as president, and now holds the role of Past President. The foundation’s “Acts of Caring” helps patients cover expenses beyond traditional medical treatment—at a time when they are needed most—to fight cancer.
Driven by her compassionate spirit to serve, she understands the importance of caring for people. In addition to her volunteer efforts at the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation, she has devoted significant time to the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women and Gaia Home, and she serves on numerous boards.
In addition, Renee has partnered with NDMA since 2017 to ensure we receive the support we need to help physicians succeed. Recognizing the financial challenges many resident physicians face, she spearheaded the Physician Loan Program—a much-needed initiative tailored to their unique needs. Because of her outgoing nature and willingness to serve, healthcare facilities often call on Renee to provide resident physicians, particularly those new to the U.S., with an overview of the community's services and organizations, helping them feel more welcome. Renee has made a difference in many lives.
Copic Humanitarian
Dr. Julie Blehm
Internal Medicine, Fargo
The 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 award recipient designates a $10,000 donation from Copic to be provided to a healthcare-related 501(c)(3) organization within North Dakota.
Nominated by Dr. Misty Anderson, Dr. Julie Blehm has been a servant leader for many years and is known for her leadership roles in healthcare and community volunteerism. She has been involved with Special Olympics North Dakota for 20 years and served on the board of directors. As a medical professional and a parent of a Special Olympics athlete, Julie has a unique perspective on the impact of Special Olympics on people with intellectual disabilities. She has watched her daughter’s confidence grow as she meets other people like her.
Because of her experience with suicide loss, she is a fierce advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Drawing from her experience, she became involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, North Dakota Chapter. She was also instrumental in the formation of the North Dakota Professional Health Program – a program that supports medical professionals affected by mental illness and substance use disorders. With remarkable passion, she lobbied legislators to secure funding for the program and served on the board since its inception in 2014, continuing through 2024.
Dr. Blehm selected the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, North Dakota Chapter (AFSP) as the recipient of the $10,000 Copic donation. The mission of AFSP is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. The AFSP funds research to improve interventions, trains clinicians in suicide prevention, and advocates for policy that will save lives.
Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Policy
Senator Scott Meyer
District 18, Grand Forks
Senator Scott Meyer was presented with the Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Policy Award for his exceptional dedication and support of medicine.
Senator Scott Meyer is the third recipient of this prestigious award. Leaders deserving of this award have gone the extra mile, especially regarding policy issues central to NDMA. This award is a rare find. Over NDMA’s 138-year history, it has been awarded only three times. The first recipient was Senator Judy Lee in 2007. The second was Representative Greg Westlind in 2021.
Senator Meyer has served in the North Dakota Legislature since 2017, representing District 18, Grand Forks. He serves on the full Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Committee for the Education and Environmental Division.
Senator Meyer is a strong advocate for healthcare. He was the primary sponsor of two of NDMA’s priority bills during the 2025 session:
SB 2280 Prior Authorization: This legislation addressed systemic barriers in the prior authorization process. These barriers often delay access to medically necessary care, including for patients battling cancer. NDMA and its partners negotiated with insurers to secure passage. Senator Meyer was crucial to completing negotiations. His approach ensured the final bill had fair outcomes for patients, healthcare systems, and insurers.
SB 2232 Maternal Health: NDMA brought this bill forward to help protect mothers and babies. The bill allows a one-time waiver for pregnant mothers with a history of substance use. This allows them to access essential healthcare without fear of prosecution. Senator Meyer respects that physicians know what is best for their patients.
Senator Meyer’s passion and commitment to healthcare are impressive. He attends hearings, provides compelling testimony, and serves as an inspiration to the medical and healthcare community.
40 Years of Service
Olivia Carcoana, MD - Grand Forks
Raul Consing, MD - Grand Forks
Christopher Crowe, MD - Fargo
Paul Dearing, MD - Watford City
Bruce Domm, MD - Casselton
Vijay Gaba, MD - Fargo
Gerald Gaul, MD - Grand Forks
Gregory Greek, MD - Grand Forks
Darcy Honeycutt, MD - Bismarck
Ronald Knutson, MD - Bismarck
Parag Kumar, MD - Bismarck
Michael Laszewski, MD - Bismarck
Joseph Luger, MD - Bismarck
Douglas Moen, MD - Bismarck
Robert Olson, Jr., MD - Fargo
Charles Owens, MD - Grand Forks
David Theige, MD - Fargo
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