WAFP congratulates the winners of our 2025 Awards for their exceptional contributions to Family Medicine. These individuals embody the values of compassion, excellence, and dedication.
The honorees will be presented with their awards at our Annual Business Meeting 12:00-1:00pm on March 13 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, which all WAFP members are welcome to. This luncheon is held in tandem with our 2026 Winter Refresher Course. Click here to register for the Winter Refresher Course (which includes the Annual Business Meeting luncheon), or click here to RSVP to attend only the Annual Business Meeting luncheon.
Family Physician of the Year
Lee Dresang, MD
Lee Dresang, MD is a distinguished family physician, professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and co-Director of the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health rural FMOB fellowship. He is celebrated not only for his clinical excellence, but for his unwavering dedication to his patients and the communities he serves. Dr. Dresang demonstrates deep expertise in women’s health, pregnancy, and newborn care.
Throughout his career he’s been a model of exceptional leadership in developing and delivering transformative educational programs that strengthen the skills of family medicine providers, particularly in rural communities. Dr. Dresang has been involved in developing and presenting curriculum including the Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) Program, the Family Centered Pregnancy Care (FCPC) Conference, and the Rural Medical Training Collaborative (RMTC) pre-conference workshop.
Since 2004, Dr. Dresang has served on the ALSO Advisory and Editorial Boards, lending his expertise to a course that prepares physicians to confidently and collaboratively manage obstetrical emergencies.
Additionally, since 2016, he has chaired the FCPC Conference, now AAFP’s largest pregnancy care meeting which draws 250-300 participants each year. His leadership, vision, and passion for providing quality care have made Dr. Dresang a leading force in advancing excellence in family medicine in Wisconsin and across the country.
Congratulations, Dr. Dresang!
Family Medicine Educator of the Year
Camille Garrison, MD, FAAFP
Camille B. Garrison, MD is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Graduate Medical Education at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). As Program Director of the North Side Milwaukee Family Medicine Residency, she has demonstrated deep dedication to training the next generation of family physicians to serve their communities with skill, compassion, and integrity.
Dr. Garrison joined the MCW faculty in 2010 and previously served as Residency Program Director at MCW’s Columbia St. Mary’s Family Medicine Residency for eight years. Dr. Joseph Gravel, Professor and Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, describes her as “an outstand teacher, innovative educational leader and scholar who has sustained contributions to medical education of residents, medical students, and peers. Her teaching emphasized leadership, maternal health and obstetrics, care of marginalized populations, and the social determinants of health.”
Widely recognized as an educational scholar, Dr. Garrison has a longstanding record of developing, evaluating, and sharing programs and has several published peer-reviewed papers focusing on the effect of racism and health. One of her signature initiatives–Racism Theme Day: Race Matters Workshop–was presented at the All Saints and Columbia St. Mary’s residency programs. It received the DFCM Education Project of the Year Award, and has reached broad audiences including medical students, faculty, clinical staff, and community members. In addition to her scholarly work, Dr. Garrison has served as an invited speaker for dozens of events related to infant mortality. Her commitment to excellence spans clinical care, women’s and adolescent care and educational innovation. Through her leadership and mentorship, she consistently empowers learners to advance health equity, strengthen community partnerships, and help provide care to underserved populations.
Congratulations, Dr. Garrison!
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jonathan Temte, MD, PhD
Jonathan Temte, MD, PhD is a professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He has devoted his career to advancing public health, immunization policy, and the training of family physicians. With decades of service in research and community engagement, Dr. Temte is honored for his impact on the field and the many lives he has touched throughout leadership and dedication.
Dr. Temte’s significant contributions to family medicine, especially in the areas of infectious disease prevention and control is demonstrated through his substantial body of scientific publications and presentations. In partnership with the Oregon School District (OSD), Dr. Tempte led an innovative study monitoring cold and flu symptoms of school-aged children. This work provided the district with timely, actionable data, equipping educators and administrators with critical tools to make informed decisions for the health and safety of students and staff.
During the COVID pandemic, Dr. Temte played a pivotal role in translating the rapidly evolving evidence to clear, easy-to-understand guidance. His literature summaries and expert insights not only supported Wisconsin through an unprecedented public health crisis, but also helped global audiences adapt. His expertise was instrumental in shaping research and informing medical practice during a time of uncertainty.
Dr. David Rakel, Esther Millard Professor and Chair of UW’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health reflects on Dr. Temte’s influence: “I have always known him as a strategic thinker, excellent physician, “big R” researcher, immunization advocate, and a gifted writer and poet. The impact his career has had on the state of Wisconsin is difficult to measure because it reaches far and wide.” Dr. Temte’s research team shared: “Dr. Temte has carefully and purposefully integrated his knowledge of clinical practice and community partnerships into our research projects, and acts not only as our leader in research, but as a teacher and a clinician as well. He creates subtle teaching moments out of our missteps, and fosters an atmosphere of growth and learning as well as achieving. He is a teacher that does not draw you a map, but hands you a compass.”
Dr. Temte’s legacy proves his deep compassion for the communities he serves. His work has shaped public health policy, strengthened the practice of family medicine, and has inspired countless learners and colleagues along the way.
Congratulations, Dr. Temte!
