CHICAGO — American Medical Association (AMA) President Steven J. Stack, M.D., today awarded the late Rice C. Leach, M.D., a presidential citation for his lifetime commitment to public service. This citation honors individuals or organizations for outstanding service in promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. Dr. Leach is the fifth person in AMA history to receive this citation, and this is the first time the AMA is recognizing an individual posthumously.
"Dr. Leach was a mentor to countless young physicians in Kentucky," said Dr. Stack. "He dedicated his career to public service and embodied a vision of medicine to which all physicians, including myself, should aspire."
After earning his medical degree from the University of Kentucky in 1966, Dr. Leach began a rotating internship as an officer of the United States Public Health Service, where he traveled the country to improve the health of communities in need. He then expanded his efforts internationally, advancing medical care in Guatemala, Bolivia, Panama and Guam.
Dr. Leach served as commissioner of health for the state of Kentucky from 1992-2004 and later for the Lexington Fayette County Health Department in 2011. In the latter role, he led the department to a national accreditation and launched the city's first needle-exchange program.
In March of this year, Dr. Leach was recognized for his lifetime service to Lexington and the United States with the 2016 Public Health Hero Award, an award that was then renamed the Dr. Rice C. Leach Public Health Award.
"What made Dr. Leach exceptional was not only his brilliant mind, but his generous spirit, service to others and the way he interacted with students and colleagues," said Dr. Stack. "He wanted to be at the center of the action and lend a hand to those in need. His lifetime's work serves as a model for physicians nationwide, and how we can all work together to build a healthier nation."
Dr. Leach passed away in April 2016 following a battle with lymphoma. He is survived by his wife of 50 years and their two sons.
The presidential citation was presented as the AMA convened the nation's physician leaders during its annual House of Delegates meeting.
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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.
