Vetter selected top family physician

Dr. Richard Vetter has been chosen as North Dakota's top family physician and was also elected and installed as president of the North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians.

The North Dakota Family Physician of the Year award was presented to Vetter by a committee of the North Dakota Academy of Family Physicians during a surprise announcement June 19, at a luncheon in Bismarck as part of the NDAFP Annual Meeting.

Vetter has been in family medicine for over 18 years. He completed medical school at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1988 and residency at the Family Practice Center in Fargo in 1991. He currently practices at Innovis Health in West Fargo.

Vetter's colleagues refer to him as an outstanding teacher and example to his colleagues and medical students. He has a passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge and skills in the medical profession. He is an excellent role model for those individuals entering health care as a new vocation as well as for those who work with him. He is a consistent reminder and example of those goals and ideals of why one enters into health care.

Vetter is a devoted husband and father of nine daughters and through various volunteer activities, is always helping out.

The award is given once a year to a physician in North Dakota who shows pride in practicing family medicine. The criteria include being: a member of the NDAFP and AAFP; a compassionate family physician; in good standing in the medical community; involved in community activities; dedicated to the ideals of Family Medicine; and a role model for the residents, medical students, and young physicians in the state.

Vetter's name will be submitted to the American Academy of Family Physicians next year for consideration at the national level.