WALTHAM – The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) announced the establishment of a new award, the Joseph M. Heyman, MD Award for Outstanding Contributions to Organized Medicine.
Heyman, who passed away in February, was a West Newbury resident, renowned clinician, physician-leader, advocate, and past president of the Medical Society. Heyman was named the recipient of the inaugural award named in his honor.
The award recognizes a Medical Society member who has demonstrated outstanding contributions in organized medicine locally and nationally, and who has demonstrated commitment and leadership in promoting the value and impact of organized medicine focused
on the betterment of patient care and improvement to the overall practice of medicine.
“Dr. Heyman was a presence and a force at MMS ever since I can remember,” Massachusetts Medical Society president Dr. Carole Allen said. “He consistently provided testimony at our House of Delegates with facts and passion, and frequently influenced policy
through his well-reasoned arguments. His legacy at the American Medical Association (AMA) is legendary; while he was the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) delegate, he caucused with the New England delegation and provided sage and
thoughtful guidance. Joe had a wonderful sense of humor and incredible humility. His love of the MMS shined through all he did and, indeed, he was the first to credit the Society with his successes throughout his career.”
Heyman, who spent more than 40 years in private practice of obstetrics and gynecology, has been a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society since 1973 and served as its president from 1996-1997, during which time he conceived and created the organization’s
Committee on Ethnic Diversity.
The Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) is the statewide professional association for physicians and medical students, supporting 25,000 members. We are dedicated to educating and advocating for the physicians of Massachusetts and patients locally and nationally. A leadership voice in health care, the MMS contributes physician and patient perspectives to influence health-related legislation at the state and federal levels, works in support of public health, provides expert advice on physician practice management, and addresses issues of physician well-being. Under the auspices of the NEJM Group, the MMS extends our mission globally by advancing medical knowledge from research to patient care through the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM Catalyst, and the NEJM Journal Watch family of specialty publications, and through our education products for health care professionals: NEJM Knowledge+, NEJM Resident 360, and our accredited and comprehensive continuing medical education programs.
