ORLANDO, Fla. — During the opening session of its 2016 Interim Meeting, the American Medical Association presented the late Alabama-based urologist William Jefferson Terry, M.D., with the Medical Executive Meritorious Achievement Award. The award recognizes a medical executive who has provided exemplary service that benefits physicians in caring for their patients.

“Dr. Terry was a passionate physician who cared deeply about patients and the future of American medicine,” said AMA President Andrew W. Gurman, M.D. “A dedicated and engaged AMA member, he never shied away from issues that impacted this organization, its members and physicians nationwide. His courage, determination, leadership and advocacy efforts inspire many and set an example of what it means to be an exceptional leader.”

A practicing physician for 30 years, Dr. Terry was a staunch defender of the patient-physician relationship and became an invaluable player in the policy-making process. He testified before Congress and moderated discussions between physicians, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

He held leadership positions at various medical associations, including president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA), chairman of Alabama’s AMA delegation, and member of the AMA Council on Medical Service. He cofounded MASA’s Young Physician Section, was a prolific outreach recruiter for the AMA, and encouraged many of Alabama’s current and future leaders to get involved in organized medicine.

A native of Mobile, Ala., Dr. Terry provided medical care to countless uninsured patients and established outreach clinics in rural Southwest Alabama communities. He received his M.D. from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Alabama Medical Center.