October 2, 2025
Two physicians, four physicians-in-training, the late House of Representatives Speaker Emerita, and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) were all honored with MMA awards as part of this year’s Empowering Physicians event on September 26 in Minneapolis. 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 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 health care needs of underserved populations in Minnesota.
James H. Sova Memorial Award for Advocacy
The late 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).
August 20, 2026
A physician and Olympian will give an inspirational address as part of this year's Empowering Physicians event on Friday, September 25, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
August 20, 2026
Minnesota received some disturbing news this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as data shows that for the 2025-2026 school year, vaccination rates decreased and non-medical exemptions increased.
August 20, 2026
On August 11, a federal appellate court sided with the Texas Medical Association (TMA) argument that the way the No Surprises Act’s qualifying payment amount (QPA) is calculated has historically favored payers in arbitration.