Thank you to all who particpated 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 serves 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 service in many 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. Driven by her compassionate spirit to serve, she understands the importance of caring for and taking care of people. Renee has devoted much of her time outside of work volunteering at the Bismarck Cancer Center, 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 that we receive the necessary support to help physicians succeed. Recognizing the financial challenges that many resident physicians face, she spearheaded the Physician Loan Program – a much-needed initiative tailored to meet the unique needs of physicians struggling with loan debt.
Because of her outgoing nature and willingness to serve, healthcare facilities often call upon Renee to provide resident physicians, particularly those new to the U.S., an overview of the community's services and organizations helping new-to-the-area physicians feel more welcome.
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.
Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare Policy
Senator Scott Meyer
District 18
A senator from Grand Forks since 2017, Senator Scott Meyer is a strong advocate for healthcare and was the primary sponsor of two of NDMA's priority bills through the 2025 session: Prior Authorization Reform and Maternal Health. Senator Meyer played a crucial role in getting the job done. His approach to holding the line in negotiations resulted in the successful passage of both bills with fair outcomes for all parties: physicians, patients, healthcare systems, and insurers. When it comes to treating patients, Senator Meyer respects that physicians know what is best for patients. His commitment to going the distance by showing up at hearings, providing compelling testimony, and showing extreme passion is a rare find. He is an inspiration to healthcare.
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
|
