ORLANDO, Fla. — During the opening session of its 2016 Interim Meeting, the American Medical Association presented K. Edward Shanbacker, executive vice president of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC), 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.

“A leader on Medicare and Medicaid issues and a champion for patients and physicians, K. Edward Shanbacker has dedicated his career to organized medicine and serving as a mentor to colleagues near and far. The AMA is honored to present him with this award, recognizing a tremendous career and contributions to medicine,” said AMA President Andrew W. Gurman, M.D.

Shanbacker began his career in organized medicine in 1980 when he became assistant executive director, and later executive director, of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Medical Society. He assumed his current role at the MSDC 15 years later. During his career, Shanbacker has led his staff on important issues that impact physicians and their patients — including health system reform, tort reform, Medicare, Medicaid and other public health measures.

Shanbacker received his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from New York University and MPA in health policy at American University. He was accepted in the executive education certificate program in physician leadership at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.