AMA Honors Virginia Physician With Distinguished Service Award

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Ralph W. Hale, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist from Oak Hill, Va., with its 2010 Distinguished Service Award today at its semi-annual policy making meeting. Established in 1938, the Distinguished Service Award is presented for meritorious service in the science and art of medicine.

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"Dr. Hale has had a successful and far-reaching career as a physician, leader, administrator, and he is an outstanding mentor for young physicians. We're delighted to honor him with the Distinguished Service Award," said AMA President Cecil Wilson, M.D.  

Since 1993, Dr. Hale has served as the Executive Vice President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. His varied experience includes serving on the executive board of  the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), as president of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics and as president of the Pacific Coast Fertility Society. He was also assistant professor and assistant dean for student affairs at the John A. Burns Medical School in Hawaii and was appointed professor and the first chair of the school's department of obstetrics and gynecology. In addition to his distinguished medical career, Dr. Hale has been active in U.S. water polo and swimming, serving on the U.S. Olympic Committee for 16 years.

After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Hale began his residency at Akron General Hospital in Ohio. He was soon drafted by the Navy and spent three years as a general medical officer on the Naval Air Station at Barbers Point in Oahu. Following his military discharge, he completed his residency training at Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu.

About the American Medical Association (AMA)

The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional, public health and health policy issues. The nation's largest physician organization plays a leading role in shaping the future of medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit www.ama-assn.org.

SOURCE American Medical Association