UB Physician, Teacher Named New York's "Family Physician of the Year"

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A University at Buffalo faculty member who practices on the lower west side of Buffalo and co-founded a free medical clinic at a shelter for women and children has been named 2007 Family Physician of the Year by the New York State Academy of Family Physicians.

David M. Holmes, M.D., clinical assistant professor of family medicine in the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, received the highest honor bestowed by the academy on June 9 during the academy's annual Congress of Delegates in Albany.

Holmes was selected by the academy's education commission from among family physicians nominated by patients and colleagues. The award is presented to a nominee who, in the judgment of the academy, exemplifies the highest standards of patient care and advocacy.

"We are very pleased to recognize Dr. Holmes and are honored to have a physician of his obvious commitment to medicine and outstanding patient care among our membership," said Vito Grasso, M.D., executive vice president of the academy.

Holmes, who directs UB's family medicine clerkship and electives and is associate vice chair for medical student education in the Department of Family Medicine, practices with Kaleida Health's Niagara Family Health Center on the lower west side of Buffalo.

He was cited for numerous contributions to medicine, including co-founding a free medical clinic at Cornerstone Manor -- a shelter for women and children in Buffalo -- and working with Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church and Harvest House Ministries to establish Good Neighbors Health Care.

Located on Buffalo's lower east side, Good Neighbors provides free health care, including optometry, dental and chiropractic care, to patients without insurance. Holmes serves as the clinic's medical director of family medicine services.

He also serves as president of the Western New York chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations.

"In this day and age where many physicians are feeling dissatisfied, burned out and unhappy, I'm thankful for the many blessings I've received through my patients, students and others," said Holmes. "They really keep me going."

Michael Zang, M.D. '07, who wrote a letter on Holmes' behalf, stated: "Of note is Dr. Holmes' ability to transcend the basic parameters of the patient-doctor relationship. He accomplishes this by attending to not only the physical complaints, but also underlying emotional and social needs."

Kathleen Szymanski, RN, who has volunteered with Holmes at Cornerstone Manor, wrote: "Anyone who spends time with him walks away a better person for having been touched by his compassion and ability to motivate others to reach beyond themselves to a hurting community."

Holmes was born in Kenya to missionary parents. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University and a medical degree from the University of Vermont. He completed a residency in family medicine at UB in 1995 and joined the UB faculty that year.

He is a resident of Williamsville.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York. The School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is one of five schools that constitute UB's Academic Health Center. UB's more than 27,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs.