CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Douglas E. Henley, M.D., former executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), with the Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Henley was recognized by the association as a medical association executive who has contributed substantially to the goals and ideals of the medical profession.

“After a lifetime of service in the field of family medicine where he dedicated himself to improving the delivery of patient-centered care, Dr. Douglas Henley went on to lead the AAFP through two decades of change and medical transformation.” said AMA Board Chair Russ Kridel, M.D. “It is a privilege to recognize such an esteemed medical professional who has spent his career as a fierce advocate for family medicine—and an even fiercer advocate for patients.”

Following two decades of work in private practice in North Carolina, Dr. Henley began his medical association career at the AAFP in 2000 where he focused his efforts on measuring the impact of health care reform and developing alternate payment methods. Henley has been a strong advocate for our country’s most vulnerable populations and for diversity in the physician workforce. He played a crucial role in AAFP’s passage of health equity and diversity policy, calling on all family physicians to dismantle institutional racism.

A strong supporter of AAFP’s presence and work within the AMA’s policy-making body known as the House of Delegates, Dr. Henley has worked consistently to strengthen the delegation and tirelessly mentor, inspires and support new leaders in both organizations. He has also served as an alternate delegate and delegate in the AMA House of Delegates since 1993.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Dr. Henley joined the AMA in 1988 and is a lifetime member.

The AMA presented the award to Dr. Henley during the November 2020 Special Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates.