Last Updated: May 19, 2025
The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) is proud to announce Richard Wender, MD as the recipient of its 2025 Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon PAMED members. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Wender’s unwavering commitment to advancing primary care, public health, and health equity while shaping the future of medicine through groundbreaking initiatives and compassionate leadership.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as this year’s Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Distinguished Service Award recipient. Like so many other incredible physicians, I have always been driven to try and improve the health of others – both through public health and clinical work,” Dr. Wender said. “Being a physician is a privilege and being trusted in leadership positions has given me the chance to have even greater influence.”
Dr. Wender serves as the Robert G. Dunlop Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, where his leadership has strengthened primary care, expanded residency programs, and fostered meaningful community partnerships. Since assuming the role in 2020, he has spearheaded transformative efforts, including Penn’s first fellowship in Addiction Medicine, a new Addiction Medicine consult service, and Penn’s community-based COVID vaccination campaign. His department has successfully secured millions in funding to address health disparities and elevate public health initiatives.
Beyond Penn, Dr. Wender has left an indelible mark on national health care efforts. As the first primary care physician elected National President of the American Cancer Society, and later serving as its first-ever Chief Cancer Control Officer, he drove pioneering initiatives like the National Lung Cancer Roundtable, National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, and National Patient Navigation programs, all shaping public health strategies nationwide. His leadership as Chair of the National Colorectal Roundtable and his advocacy for the 80% by 2018 campaign resulted in 9.3 million more Americans receiving timely colorectal cancer screenings—a public health triumph recognized as one of the most enduring campaigns in U.S. history.
With over 44 years of clinical practice, Dr. Wender remains devoted to his work as a family physician, providing compassionate, comprehensive care in Philadelphia. His extensive contributions to cancer screening and prevention, including co-authoring major guidelines for every currently recommended screening target, have influenced medical practices worldwide.
“Dr. Wender’s lifelong dedication to improving health care access and addressing disparities has transformed the lives of countless patients and communities,” said Kristen Sandel, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, PAMED Immediate Past President and nomination committee member. “His leadership in public health and commitment to advancing family medicine embody the core mission of PAMED and make him a truly deserving recipient of our Distinguished Service Award.”
PAMED’s Distinguished Service Award has honored exceptional physicians since 1956, when Jonas E. Salk, MD was recognized for his breakthrough development of the polio vaccine. Dr. Wender will be formally presented with the award at PAMED’s Annual Meeting in October 2025.
Nominations are now open for 2026 award recipients, visit www.pamedsoc.org/awards
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