Clinician Recognition - May 2024

Congratulations to Tony Pedroza, MD, on being named the Washington Academy of Family Physicians Foundation's Family Medicine Educator of the Year! In the announcement of his award, WAFP wrote:

"Your former residents and colleagues recommended you for this award with effusive and thoughtful praise. They noted your gift of bringing people together, your compassion, and your ability to meet people where they are in life and residency."

"Your colleague Patricia Stern stated, 'Throughout his 18-year tenure, I've had the pleasure to witness his unmatched devotion to resident education, patient care, and mission for training family physicians.'"

The prestigious award is given annually to recognize Academy members for excellence in teaching, development of innovative teaching models, or implementation of outstanding educational programs. Dr. Pedroza will receive the award at WAFP's annual meeting on April 26.

The WAFP award comes at a poignant time, as Dr. Pedroza is stepping down from his role as Valley Family Medicine's residency program director on April 26. He has led the program since 2005. Dr. Pedroza will remain on VFM's faculty. Sarah Maitre, MD, a VFM residency graduate who has been a part of the faculty since 2014, will assume the role as program director. 

“Tony has truly been an asset to VMC and our VFM residency program.  Over the last 18 years, he has led our residency through significant change as our organization has grown, residency curriculum requirements have changed, resident expectations have evolved, in addition to helping maintain a very strong learning environment during Covid. This list could go on and on. "We value his positive attitude, his dedication to the residency and the organization, and his overall good spirit!”, Matt Mulder, MD, Chief Physician Officer.

Thank you for you dedication and leadership Dr. Pedroza, and congratulations!