HONOLULU — The American Medical Association (AMA) honored Christine Ignaszak-Nadolny, executive director of the Medical Society of the County of Erie (MSCE), in New York, with the Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors a medical association executive who has contributed substantially to the goals and ideals of the medical profession.

“In her role as executive director of MSCE, Christine Ignaszak-Nadolny has worked tirelessly to support physicians and identify, recruit and engage members,” said AMA President David O. Barbe, M.D. “A sustaining force for the organization, she is respected and admired by members of MSCE for her widespread service to the county, district, and other medical and community organizations.”

Recognized for her leadership and talent for bringing people together in her 22 years of service at MSCE, Ignaszak-Nadolny has developed strong relationships with local and state officials, helping advance legislative initiatives and respond to evolving regulatory challenges.

She also stays abreast of national and state developments that affect the practice of medicine, arranging educational sessions for members and their office staff to ensure regulatory and legislative compliance. For example, over the past two years, she has played an integral role in addressing the opioid crisis in Erie County, helping to build, circulate and finalize the professionally-developed acute pain management guidelines and advisories to help physicians in the area.

The AMA presented the award to Ignaszak-Nadolny during the opening session of the 2017 AMA Interim Meeting.