For immediate release
Nov. 11, 2006
The American Medical Association (AMA) awarded its highest honor today to U.S. Assistant Surgeon General Rear Admiral (RADM) William Craig Vanderwagen, MD, at its semi-annual policy-making meeting in Las Vegas. Dr. Vanderwagen received the Distinguished Service Award for his work leading the federal disaster health response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Dr. Vanderwagen also serves as Acting Chief Medical Officer for the Indian Health Service, and previously served as the Chief of Public Health in Iraq under the Coalition Provisional Authority.
"Dr. Vanderwagen's leadership helped get the public health infrastructure back up and running in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the AMA is proud to present him with the Distinguished Service Award," said AMA President William G. Plested III, MD.
Dr. Vanderwagen was chosen by the HHS Secretary to lead the federal disaster health response in Louisiana, and he established and supported daily communication and planning with all levels of state, local and private health officials. He directed the assessment of 43 hospitals in the Greater New Orleans area and guided the re-establishment of public health and primary care services. Dr. Vanderwagen provided direction to more than 1,300 Public Health Service uniformed officers and 1,200 federalized civilians in this effort.
"Dr. Vanderwagen's commitment to the nation's health and his ongoing leadership serve as an example of service to all physicians," said Dr. Plested.
The Distinguished Service Award is the AMA's highest honor and is made to an AMA member for meritorious service in the science and art of medicine.
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