Michigan Physician, Student Member Recognized During Public Health Week

Congratulations to Robert Graham, DO, MPH, FAAFP (Mt. Pleasant) and Jeanne Wigant (Madison Heights) on being honored by the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership during National Public Health Week for their contributions to protect and improve the health of Michiganders.

Dr. Graham, former medical director at the Central Michigan District Health Department, was recognized as a 2016 Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion for his leadership of the health department's quality improvement projects and his contributions towards the department achieving national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. He is also a champion for ensuring all children are up-to-date on childhood immunizations and that every child and family is treated with dignity and respect.

Wigant, a third-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, received a 2016 Hometown Health Hero award in recognition of her work at the HOPE Warming Center in Pontiac, a shelter that welcomes homeless adults. She volunteers twice each week, providing basic medical care, administering free influenza vaccines, and educating the guests about infectious disease.

"My life has been truly changed by the amazing individuals whom I have had the opportunity to care for at the HOPE Warming Center. As a future Family Medicine physician, it has deepened my passion for the specialty by allowing me to focus on preventive health care, education and health literacy, while fostering longitudinal relationships with the guests utilizing our medical services. It has played an integral role in shaping my future plans, and while I am humbled by the award, I welcome the opportunity to bring attention to the amazing services that are offered to the homeless in our community at HOPE," said Wigant.

The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership is comprised of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan School of Public Health and other healthcare organizations. Each year it awards the Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion Award and the Hometown Health Hero Award during National Public Health Week. 

Pictured above: Jeanne Wigant, third-year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.