Dr. Carolyn Taylor-Olson, President of the Vermont Medical Society, announced that Dr. James McKay, Jr. has been chosen as this year's recipient of the "Distinguished Service Award." The award was given at the Vermont Medical Society's Annual Meeting evening banquet on October 26th at the Equinox Hotel in Manchester.

"Based on his career-long dedication to the field of pediatrics and promoting the health of Vermonters, Dr. McKay has earned this honor," Dr Taylor-Olson said. "He has the deepest respect of his peers and colleagues as reflected in their comments throughout the nomination process, and we are proud to honor him in this way."

Dr. McKay founded the department of pediatrics at the UVM College of Medicine, and served as chair from 1954-82. He is past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New England Pediatric Society, the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairmen, and the Medical Staff of the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont. He was also editor of the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, as well as the journals Pediatrics in Review and Pediatrics. He and his late wife, Liz, have four sons and eleven grandchildren. He resides at Wake Robin in Shelburne, where he met his wife, Martha, and now serves on the health care committee of the board of directors.

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest award that the Medical Society can bestow on one of its members. It is awarded on the basis of meritorious service in the science and art of medicine and for outstanding contributions to the medical profession, its organizations, and the welfare of the public.

The mission of the Vermont Medical Society is to serve the public by facilitating and enhancing physicians' individual and collective commitments, capabilities and efforts to improve the quality of life for the people of Vermont through the provision of accessible and appropriate health care services.