The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) honored Wisconsin physicians for their longstanding commitments to their communities and the medical profession.
Presidential Citation – Jennifer Edgoose, MD, MPH
WisMed Immediate Past-president Wendy Molaska, MD, presented the 2023 Presidential Citation to Jennifer Edgoose, MD, MPH, in recognition of her years of dedication to the care of marginalized populations and strategies to promote health equity and community engagement clinically, educationally and in research. This award is given to someone who has made a significant contribution to medicine and to the public’s health.
“Health equity should not be an additional goal, health equity should be the goal. It is the most ethical and humane outcome and what people should demand and expect of the health care system.”
Director’s Award – Clyde M. Chumbley, II, MD, MBA
Clyde M. Chumbley, II, MD, MBA, was presented the 2023 Director’s Award in recognition of his longstanding involvement with WisMed as CEO, his 36-year medical career as a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and numerous leadership and management positions. Established in 1928, this award is granted only on occasion to those who have served with outstanding distinction the art and science of medicine, their fellow physicians and the public.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive WisMed’s Director’s Award. It has been a privilege to work alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate physicians in Wisconsin. I look forward to continuing to contribute to WisMed’s mission as needed in the future.”
Physician Citizen of the Year – Douglas Davis, MD, PhD, William Finlayson, MD, and Adedayo Onitilo, MD, PhD, MSCR, FACP
WisMed accepts friend, colleague or personal physician nominations for its Physician Citizen of the Year Award. First established by WisMed in 1982, the award recognizes and encourages Wisconsin physicians who volunteer their time and talents through civic and cultural activities — helping to improve the health and well-being of their communities. We had the pleasure of presenting three awards for 2023 to Douglas Davis, MD, PhD, William Finlayson, MD, and Adedayo Onitilo, MD, PhD, MSCR, FACP.
Douglas Davis, MD, PhD
Dr. Davis has demonstrated true dedication and altruism with his role volunteering in the Ukrainian aid effort. He is to be commended for his dedication to serving those in need despite the time and cost he would incur. Most impressive is his full-time devotion to partnering with UMANA to help organize the donation, collection and shipment of thousands of dollars of medical supplies and other aid to Ukraine.
Dr. Davis said of his Ukrainian aid work, “I am ‘Ukrainian-by-marriage,’ but I am dedicated to this cause due to its dire implications, not just for Ukraine, but for everyone in the free world. I believe that Ukraine's defense of freedom, sovereignty and self-determination is really just the tip of the spear for all those who support these ideals and for all those who oppose the reemerging elements of tyranny and totalitarianism around the globe. The only thing necessary for Putin and his ilk to triumph in the world is for good people to do nothing.”
William Finlayson, MD
Dr. Finlayson has demonstrated true leadership through his various roles as President of Cream City Medical Society, Milwaukee Gynecological Society and his local YMCA Board. Dr. Finlayson is a shining symbol of advocacy and leadership who has tirelessly given back to his profession and community. He is to be commended for his dedication to justice and equity initiatives in Milwaukee. He chose to practice in Milwaukee, despite facing racial discrimination, to support the local black community. He continued to support black physicians in Milwaukee through his advocacy efforts in the Cream City Medical Society. Dr. Finlayson founded the W.E.B. Du Bois Club to educate high school students about financial skills and black history.
“On behalf of the Cream City Medical Society, the people of Milwaukee and the myriad of patients, medical students and residents whose lives you have touched over an illustrious career, I congratulate you on receiving the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Physician Citizen of the Year award, 2023. No award, no plaque, no proclamation can come close to characterizing the impact that you have had not only on the physical health, but also on the fiscal and social health of the people of the city of Milwaukee, especially those people who reside in its inner city. You have been the penultimate role model for many physicians who have come after you, who aspire to make a positive change in communities desperately in need of positive leadership. It is our hope that the ripples of your dedication and sacrifices continue to reverberate out to countless people for generations to come, even beyond your earthly life. It is with honor and humility that we join the Wisconsin Medical Society in saying, thank you, Dr. William Finlayson, a true living legend,” said Kevin Izard, MD, President of the Cream City Medical Society.

Adedayo Onitilo, MD, PhD, MSCR, FACP
Dr. Onitilo has demonstrated true leadership in his role as a Principal Investigator at WinCorp and the Editor-in-Chief of the Clinical Medicine & Research Journal. As a scholar, an astute clinician, a researcher, a leader and a compassionate human being, he has tirelessly given back to his profession and community. Dr. Onitilo is to be commended for his dedication to medical research and his work with the Marshfield Clinic Health System where he serves as the Oncology/Hematology and Radiation Oncology Service Line Director. He globalized the Marshfield Clinic Oncology program with regional and national recognition as a Center of Excellence in the breast program and expanded the program with the construction of the new Stevens Point Oncology Center.
“Wisconsin is a great state to live in and practice medicine. So naturally, it is humbling and thrilling to be recognized amongst the many worthy physicians in the state. Still, I cannot claim credit for any accolades without acknowledging the platform provided by Marshfield Clinic through the excellent colleagues and staff I interact with daily. I firmly believe there is no ‘I’ in ‘team,’” said Dr. Onitilo about receiving this award.
During last week’s Annual Event, Don S. Lee, MD, MPH, FACP, SFHM, CHCQM-PHYADV, was installed as Wisconsin Medical Society President, John Cook was installed as Treasurer and Cynthia Hart, MD, FAAFP, was confirmed as President-elect.
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