MMA Honors Physicians, Physicians-in-training, Advocates with Annual Awards

October 2, 2024

Four physicians, two physicians-in-training, a state representative and the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council were all honored with MMA awards, as part of this year’s Empowering Physicians Conference on September 27. Each year, the MMA honors those in medicine for going above and beyond.  

Distinguished Service Award 

David L. Estrin, MD, of Golden Valley, received the MMA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for his years of service to the association and to medicine.   

President’s Award 

Natalia Dorf Biderman, MD, SFHM, and Colin West, MD, PhD, received the MMA’s President’s Award, which recognizes those who have given much of their free time to help improve the association.  

MMA Board Chair Kim Tjaden, MD (center), congratulates President's Award winners Colin West, MD, PhD, and Natalia Dorf Biderman, MD, SFHM.

Medical Student Leadership Award 

Rashika Shetty 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. Shetty is a second-year med student at the University of Minnesota. 

Resident and Fellow Leadership Award 

Jack McHugh, MB BCh, BAO, received the Resident and Fellow Leadership awards which recognizes physicians-in-training who demonstrate exemplary leadership in service to residents and fellow, the profession of medicine and the broader community. McHugh is based in Rochester.  

COPIC/MMA Foundation Humanitarian Award 

Tori Bahr, 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   

State Rep. Tina Liebling, of Rochester, 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.  

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 Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council.