AMA president honors late Kentucky commissioner of health

American Medical Association (AMA) President Steven J. Stack, M.D., today awarded the late Rice C. Leach, M.D., a presidential citation for his lifetime commitment to public service. This citation honors individuals or organizations for outstanding service in promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. Dr. Leach is the fifth person in AMA history to receive this citation, and this is the first time the AMA is recognizing an individual posthumously.

"Dr. Leach was a mentor to countless young physicians in Kentucky," said Dr. Stack. "He dedicated his career to public service and embodied a vision of medicine to which all physicians, including myself, should aspire."