MAFP Awards Dr. Raymond Rion with Michigan Family Physician of the Year Award

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, the state’s largest medical specialty association, honored Raymond Rion, MD with its 2023 Michigan Family Physician of the Year Award on Aug. 14.

Dr. Rion currently leads Packard Health Center in Washtenaw County. During his 10 years of service as executive director, he has guided the organization in responding to community needs by growing its programs, staff, and impact on high-risk populations. He also helped Packard Health Center achieve federally qualified health center status, stabilizing its financial position and ability to continue caring for patients into the future.

“Dr. Raymond Rion is an extraordinary family physician. He is a skilled leader who devotes his time and expertise to his community and is a positive role model for others. These qualities are what make him the ideal recipient of the Michigan Family Physician of the Year Award,” said Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Chair Glenn Dregansky, DO, FAAFP.

In addition to managing Packard Health Center, Dr. Rion spends around 25 percent of his time providing primary and preventive care to Washtenaw County residents. This, he said, reflects his commitment to people in need and helps him stay on top of the issues facing his community.

“It’s an honor to receive this award. Working directly with my community and my patients, and getting to know them and their families, is so rewarding. It is because of them that I continue to do what I do,” said Dr. Rion of his 36-year career as a family physician.

The Michigan Family Medicine Physician of the Year Award is given annually to a member of Michigan Academy of Family Physicians for outstanding contributions that exemplify the tradition and contributions of the family physician to the health of Michigan residents.

Family medicine is a primary care specialty practiced by family physicians. Family physicians are the quarterbacks of healthcare, helping people stay healthy, manage chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, and avoid preventable hospitalizations.

Michigan Academy of Family Physicians advocates for family physicians; among its top priorities are preserving physician-led team-based care and increasing the state’s primary care workforce. Both are critical for Michigan residents to be able to access healthcare services when and where they need them.