Minnesota Medical Association Honors Physicians, Physicians-in-training, Advocates with Annual Awards

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.  

Distinguished Service Award: 
Marilyn Peitso, MD, FAAP, a retired pediatrician in St. Cloud, received the Distinguished Service Award, for her years of service to the association and medicine.    

President’s Award: 
Cindy Firkins Smith, MD, and Corey Martin, MD, received the MMA’s President’s Award, which recognizes those who have given much of their free time to help improve the association. Smith and Martin have been critical components in creating and running the MMA's Minnesota Physician Leadership Institute.   

Medical Student Leadership Award: 
Martiza Steele 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 
Koushik Paul, 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 
Alice Lehman, MD, received the Copic/MMA Foundation Humanitarian Award which recognizes MMA members who go above and beyond to address the health care needs of underserved populations in Minnesota.   

James H. Sova Memorial Award for Advocacy   
Sen. Alice Mann, MD, received the James H. Sova Memorial Award for Advocacy. 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. Mann has been an invaluable advocacy partner with the MMA at the state Capitol.   

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 recipients are Protect Minnesota and the Annunciation Light Alliance, a group of parents from Annunciation Church and School, for their advocacy work on firearm safety.