Senator Frockt Honored By State Medical Association

SEATTLE, Sept. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sen. David Frockt (D-Seattle) has been named the Washington State Medical Association's 2015 Legislator of the Year for his efforts to address access to physicians in rural and underserved areas. The senator, who represents the state's 46^th Legislative District covering Seattle, Kenmore and Lake Forest Park, received the award at the association's annual meeting on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane.

Each year, the statewide professional organization representing physicians, residents, medical students and physician assistants honors a legislator whose knowledge and influence does much to improve the health of people in Washington state.

During the 2015 legislative session, Sen. Frockt was instrumental in working with the WSMA to advance legislation to re-fund the Health Professional Student Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program—a key incentive program that recruits health professionals to practice in underserved communities in Washington state. Sen. Frockt is the lead Democrat on the Senate Health Care Committee.

"With insurance coverage expanding in our state, some patients in rural communities are having trouble getting in to see a physician," said Dr. Brian Seppi, immediate past president of the WSMA. "Senator Frockt's dedication and leadership supporting health professional loan repayment will help these communities attract the physicians they need to meet increased patient demand."

In addition to his work with the loan program, Sen. Frockt joined with the WSMA to support efforts to regulate certain tobacco products and secure reimbursement for telemedicine services.

Senator Frockt was praised by the association for his efforts representing physicians and their patients.

"His passion and commitment to the health of our patients will have positive, lasting, real-world effects—and for that we are truly grateful," said Dr. Seppi. "It's a pleasure to be able to recognize the efforts of Senator David Frockt and to honor him for his investment in the future of patient care in our state."

Senator Frockt lives with his wife Rebecca and their 11-year-old twins in North Seattle.

SOURCE Washington State Medical Association

Related Links

http://www.wsma.org