ATLANTA — The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Joseph P. Bailey Jr., M.D., Leon Henri Charbonnier professor, emeritus, and associate dean for clinical sciences, emeritus at the Medical College of Georgia, with the 2015 Distinguished Service Award. Established in 1938, the Distinguished Service Award is presented for meritorious service in the science and art of medicine.
"Dr. Bailey has served his patients and fellow physicians with honor and distinction for more than a half century," said AMA President Steven J. Stack, M.D. "He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving patient care as a leader in organized medicine."
Throughout his career, Dr. Bailey has served as a passionate patient and physician advocate. A past president of the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG), he has been a dedicated and integral member of Georgia's AMA Delegation for nearly 20 years, including his role as chair from 1999 to 2014.
During his more than 50 year career as an educator, he has impacted the lives of countless medical students and residents. Dr. Bailey served as chief of rheumatology at the Medical College of Georgia from 1967 to 2000; becoming a cherished mentor and friend to students and fellow faculty alike.
He has received numerous awards in recognition of his work including the 2014 MAG Legacy Award, the designation of Master by the American College of Rheumatology in 2008 and the 1990 MAG Distinguished Service Award, which was later renamed as the Joseph P. Bailey, Jr. Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Bailey earned his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia in 1955. A devoted father of two and grandfather of seven, he resides in Augusta, Ga.
The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Bailey during the opening session of the 2015 AMA Interim Meeting in Atlanta.
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The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
