2015 WILLIAMSON AWARD—DR. JAY MARKSON
“It all comes down to a healthy and happy child,” said Dr. Jay Markson when asked about his desire to improve the lives of children.
Dr. Markson, a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Center in Denver, has pursued building a more inclusive, holistic health care system while seeking out creative solutions for complex problems low-income families face. An example of his commitment is Jump for Life, a program he founded to address adolescent obesity in Colorado by providing jump ropes to students who pledge to increase their activity levels.
Dr. Markson is also a board member of the Community Child Health Foundation, and sits on the board of Reach Out and Read Colorado, an organization dedicated to improving literacy by encouraging pediatricians to distribute developmentally-appropriate books during well-child visits. “Reading every day is as important to a child’s health as eating enough fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Markson.
COPIC Medical Foundation is pleased to announce Dr. Markson as the recipient of our 2015 Colorado Harold E. Williamson Award. This annual award recognizes a volunteer physician in Colorado who goes above and beyond the scope of their practice to improve lives in their community. The award also provides a $10,000 grant to be given to a health-related nonprofit organization in Colorado. Dr. Markson has elected Reach Out and Read as the recipient of this grant. The organization plans to use the funding toward program management and purchasing new books. “Dr. Markson embodies comprehensive and innovative care for his young patients and he was an early adaptor of the Reach Out and Read program. We are honored to work with him,” said Megan Wilson, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read Colorado. The caliber of nominees, who are submitted by those who work closely with them, definitely makes the selection process difficult. Our hats go off to each of the nominees listed below. They all demonstrate a tireless commitment to giving back to their communities:
- Michael Anger, M.D.
- Julie Ansell, M.D.
- Greg Arfsten, M.D.
- Edward Ho, M.D.
- Andrew Freeman, M.D.
- Robert Gibbs, M.D.
- Craig Perrinjaquet, M.D.
- James Smith, M.D.
- Tracy Stiller, M.D.
- Monte Uyemura, M.D.