AMA presents government service award to former state senator

WASHINGTON — The American Medical Association (AMA) presented former Oklahoma State Sen. Ervin Yen, M.D., with the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. Dr. Yen was selected for the AMA’s top government service award for his dedication to improving public health, including efforts to prevent dangerous texting and driving and encourage vaccination.

In 2014, Dr. Yen became the first physician elected to the Oklahoma Senate in more than 40 years. In his first year in office, he introduced legislation to prohibit texting while driving. When his legislation was not voted out of committee, he defied party leadership and sought to attach it to other legislation. The amendment passed, and today is saving lives.