The Oregon Academy of Family Physicians is asking Chambers of Commerce in Oregon to help identify a member of the Academy to receive its Oregon Family Doctor of the Year award for 2009. Each year members of the Academy, nominated either by their communities or by their colleagues, are entered into the competition. The award winner will be announced at the group’s Annual Scientific Assembly to be held in May 2009 at Sunriver Resort.

Winners over the past 10 years have included Robbie Law of Reedsport.

Citizens may suggest nominees to their local Chamber of Commerce, and should be prepared to document the attributes of their nominee. The relevant criteria include whether the physician provides patients with compassionate care, is directly involved in community affairs or activities that enhance communities and whether they provide a credible role model professionally and personally to community members, health professionals or medical students.

A nomination form can be found at http://www.oafp.org. Supporting letters and other materials from the community also lend weight to the nomination. The deadline for nomination is March 2. For more information, e-mail mail@oafp.org.