About the Awards
Dr. Frank Newman was instrumental in founding the Montana WWAMI Medical School Program, the Montana Office of Rural Health, the Montana AHEC, the Montana Family Medicine Residency Program, and many other programs. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was the founder of the Wind Drinkers Running Club. Dr. Newman counseled hundreds of young people interested in careers in medicine and other health professions. He was actively teaching in the WWAMI Targeted Rural Underserved Track at Montana State University, and working at the Montana Office of Rural Health/AHEC until his death at age 80 on Veteran’s Day, 2011.
Nominations for the Award should reflect Dr. Newman’s commitment to rural health in Montana, his support for health professions, his belief in the young people of our state, and his optimistic view of the future. Dr. Newman traveled to every corner of Montana, worked with rural hospitals and healthcare providers, and believed that communities had the capacity to support high quality healthcare. He helped many people persevere in their goals and hopes, and inspired many young people to pursue their dreams.
Awards will be given in three categories:
- Rural Health Leadership Award
- Rural Clinician Leadership Award
- Future of Rural Health Award
Dr. Newman represented the spirit of Montana in nearly 50 years of service to rural communities and healthcare in our state. The nominees who most exemplify what Dr. Newman represented will be announced in late November to celebrate National Rural Health Day.
Nominations due 5:00 pm MDT November 4th, 2026.