Valley Doctor Takes National Award: Cathy Baldwin-Johnson of Wasilla Was Named The 2002 Family Physician of The Year By The American Academy of Family Physicians.

Cathy Baldwin-Johnson always knew she wanted to be a doctor. Even as a young girl she was interested in the biological sciences and was inspired by her aunt, who was a nurse.

"My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams," Baldwin-Johnson said. "My father said 'You are smart enough. You can be a doctor.' I think that was unusual for dads in the 1950s. I like the idea of being in this field. I feel like I'm being useful-doing something worthwhile, helping people."

The East High School graduate went to undergraduate school at Arizona State University in Tempe, medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle and then spent three years in residency studying family medicine in Seattle. Shortly after finishing her residency, she made her way back to Alaska where she worked for a practice in Anchorage for two years. She opened her own practice in Wasilla in 1985.

On Oct. 1, 2001, Baldwin-Johnson was named the 2002 Family Physician of the Year by the American Academy of Family Physicians at an awards ceremony in Atlanta, Ga. She was the first Alaskan to ever receive this national award, sponsored by one of the largest medical specialty organizations devoted solely to primary care. The AAFP has more than 93,000 members.

"My first reaction was disbelief when I learned I received the award," said Baldwin-Johnson. "It's an incredible honor. It really is."

The 48-year-old doctor was nominated by the Alaska Chapter of AAFP, which had presented her with the Alaska Family Physician of the Year award for 2001. Letters of recommendation came from a variety of people, including the mayor of Wasilla and a commissioner for the state of Alaska.

Nominees had to prove they were worthy of the award by demonstrating excellence in a variety of ways. Not only do they have to be compassionate in their work, but also they have to be directly and effectively involved in community affairs that enhanced the community they live and work in, according to the AAFP. Nominees also have to be credible role models and must be in good standing in their medical communities.

Baldwin-Johnson was nominated for her work as a family physician; as co-founder of The Children's Place, also in Wasilla; and as a founder of the Sexual Assault Response Team in the Valley. She recently received the Alaska First Lady's Award for outstanding volunteerism.