NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The American Medical Association (AMA) honored Paul S. Sanders, M.D., executive director of the North Central Medical Conference (NCMC), 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.

“Whether treating patients – as he has for more than 45 years – or serving as executive director of the North Central Medical Conference, Dr. Sanders has always maintained a North Star of improving the health of patients and the profession of medicine,” said AMA President Barbara L. McAneny, M.D. “His engagement, leadership, compassion and innovation are a model for others to follow, and it is a pleasure to honor him with this award.”

Dr. Sanders served for thirteen years as CEO of the Minnesota Medical Association, and 20 years as executive director of the North Central Medical Conference. He has also served on numerous boards, and actively participated in other medical organizations, including co-founding the Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety, and serving as chairman, then president of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians. Prior to his service as CEO, he served as chairman of the MMA board from 1988 to 1990. He also served two years (2000-2002) as chairman of the Litigation Center of the AMA and State Medical Societies.

The AMA presented the award to Sanders during the 2018 AMA Interim Meeting.