Dr. William Klepack, Medical Director of the Tompkins County Health Department, has been recognized as 2016 Family Physician of the Year by the New York State Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP).

The award, presented last month at the Academy's Congress of Delegates meeting, recognizes "an exemplary member of the family medicine profession in New York who has worked tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of care for his or her patients during one's career."

"I am very, very gratified that the Academy recognized me through this award.  I can think of many fine family physicians across the state doing very fine work who could deserve such very fine recognition, as well, Dr. Klepack said.

"One of the reasons that the Academy selected me this year had to do with the work that I have been doing at the Academy in the area of public health, and a lot of that is a direct consequence of the work we have been doing in Tompkins County in public health."  Dr. Klepack noted that Tompkins County is often considered a leader in the field of public health in New York State.

"I am proud to work with Dr. Klepack as the Health Department Medical Director," said Tompkins County Public Health Director Frank Kruppa.  "This recognition is for his work as a family practitioner, but I like to think that he is our community's doctor.  I've known him to use his vast knowledge of health and his experience in his practice to help the department make everyone healthier.  I congratulate and thank him for making our community healthier."

Dr. Klepack is a partner at Dryden Family Medicine.  He received his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and his post-graduate training from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and the Highland Hospital Family Medicine Program in Rochester.  He has been an active member of the NYSAFP since 1994.

NYSAFP is the New York chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and represents more than 5,500 family physicians and medical students throughout the state, providing advocacy, education, and information for its members.

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