Presidential Scholar Award presented to James Lehman

MADISON – The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation named James Lehman its 2015 Presidential Scholar. In his fourth year of medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Lehman received an engraved award, along with a $3,000 scholarship to assist with his educational expenses.

Foundation President Erik A. Gundersen, MD, presented the award during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting on April 25 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison. First awarded in 2005, the Presidential Scholar Award recognizes a student entering his or her fourth year of medical school who has exemplified the attributes, skills and desire to become a leader in the medical profession in Wisconsin.

In addition to his academic excellence, Lehman served as state chair of the American Medical Association Medical Student Section and has been active with the Wisconsin Medical Society and Dane County Medical Society. He also founded a student organization for health sciences students devoted to advocating for improvements in health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

“James distinguishes himself in two ways. First, he is engaged in relevant and timely issues…demonstrating a special commitment to Wisconsin and an understanding of its challenges. Second, he leads by lifting others up cultivating leadership among his peers,” wrote Society past president Tosha Wetterneck, MD, associate dean for public health at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, in Lehman’s nomination letter.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization, works to advance the health of the people of Wisconsin by supporting medical and health education and statewide public health initiatives.

With more than 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.