October 8, 2025
Two physicians, four physicians-in-training, the late Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy were all honored with MMA awards as part of this year’s Empowering Physicians event on September 26. Each year, the MMA honors those in medicine for going above and beyond.
Distinguished Service Award
Keith Stelter, MD, a family physician in Mankato and past MMA president, received the MMA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for his years of service to the association and to medicine.
President’s Award
Former MMA Director of Advocacy and the MMA’s chief lobbyist Dave Renner, CAE, received the MMA’s President’s Award, which recognizes those who have given much of their free time to help improve the association.
Medical Student Leadership Award
Adrina Kocharian, PhD, Kathryn Xu and Grant Welk received the Medical Student Leadership Award, which recognizes physicians-in-training who demonstrate exemplary leadership in service to medical students, the profession of medicine and the broader community.
Resident and Fellow Leadership Award
Saam Dilmaghani, MD, received the Resident and Fellow Leadership Award, which recognizes physicians-in-training who demonstrate exemplary leadership in service to residents and fellow, the profession of medicine and the broader community.
Copic/MMA Foundation Humanitarian Award
David Tilstra, MD, received the Copic/MMA Foundation Humanitarian Award which recognizes MMA members who go above and beyond to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations in Minnesota.
James H. Sova Memorial Award for Advocacy
The late Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, received the James H. Sova Memorial Award for Advocacy, posthumously. Sova was the chief lobbyist for the MMA from 1968 until the time of his death in December 1981. This award is given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of public policy, medical sciences, medical education, medical care or the socioeconomics of medical practice.
Eric C. Dick Memorial Health Policy Partner Award
This award is given to an individual, group of individuals, a project or an organization that demonstrates their commitment to pursuing sound public policy, building coalitions, creating and/or strengthening partnerships with the goal of improving the health of Minnesotans or the practice of medicine in Minnesota. Dick was the MMA's manager of state legislative affairs from 2010 until his untimely death in January 2021. This year’s recipient is the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP).
September 30, 2026
Dania Kamp MD, of Sturgeon Lake, was installed as the Minnesota Medical Association’s (MMA) 160th president on September 25, during the association’s Empowering Physicians event at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Her term, which officially begins October 1, lasts one year.
September 29, 2026
Five physicians, two physicians-in-training, a state senator, and two firearm safety advocacy organizations were all honored with Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) awards as part of the association’s Empowering Physicians event on September 25. Each year, the MMA honors those in medicine for going above and beyond.
June 29, 2026
This Fourth of July, Minnesota physicians are once again urging their fellow Minnesotans to leave the fireworks up to the professionals.