University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
What makes a good idea? That question set the tone for the 2025 Renner-Hansen Awards, which honored innovation and contributions to family medicine. Held in November at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, the event offered an opportunity to celebrate the Wisconsin Idea and the people whose work has made a lasting impact on the state and beyond. Department …
Valerie Gilchrist, MD, received the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Award for Distinguished and Meritorious Service—a prestigious national honor recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing both the AAFP and the field of family medicine. Gilchrist’s career, defined by visionary leadership and a deep commitment to community health, exemplifies these values. For …
The Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH) has taken a bold step to elevate faculty support by establishing the Office of Faculty Development and Promotions. This initiative, led by inaugural Vice Chair Dr. Sarina Schrager, reflects a growing recognition of the need to sustain and empower faculty throughout their careers. “This is a significant …
Karen Wendler, a physician assistant with an impressive 34-year career with the UW Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, has not only dedicated her life to caring for patients but also to her passion for running. As she gets closer to her goal of running a marathon in all 50 states, recently checking Rhode …
Marc Hansen, MD, founder of the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 94. Hansen’s commitment to family medicine was unwavering. He tirelessly advocated for the incorporation of the family medicine specialty into hospital training programs, finding a willing partner in St. Mary’s …
The 2024 Renner-Hansen Awards Dinner, held at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in November, celebrated the vital work of family medicine and the importance of community trust. This annual event provided an opportunity for colleagues to honor each other and recognize significant contributions to the field. Attendees enjoyed special presentations from guests honored with the …
Kjersti Knox, MD, received a 2022 UW School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Dean’s Teaching Award for her outstanding contributions in student education in medical programs. Dr. Knox, director of the UW SMPH Training in Urban Health and Public Medicine Program (TRIUMPH), also maintains a clinical practice at Aurora Family Care Center in Milwaukee. …