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This award is presented annually to a family physician who represents the highest ideals of the specialty of family medicine, including caring, comprehensive medical service, community involvement, and serving as a role model.

Gardner practiced medicine in private practice in Paynesville from 1985-1992. Then, after working in Park Rapids for two years, he returned to Paynesville in October 1994 and joined the Paynesville Medical Group, which is affiliated with the Paynesville Area Health Care System.

The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) will accept additional information and letters about nominees until Monday, Dec. 30. Letters can be mailed to Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, 600 South Highway 169, #1680, St. Louis Park, MN 55426 or e-mailed to kthorson@mafp.org.

A task force will select six finalists for the Family Physician of the Year Award, which will be announced in April 2003.

The MAFP is a professional association of approximately 2,700 family physicians, family practice residents, and medical students. It is the largest specialty medical organization in Minnesota and is a state chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, with more than 93,000 members.