Russell F. Lewis, M.D.

Heritage Foundation

Russell F. Lewis, M.D.

2003 Heritage Foundation Award Winner

The first medical director in the history of Marshfield Clinic and founder of Wisconsin’s first Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is the 2003 recipient of the Marshfield Clinic Heritage Foundation Award.

Russell F. Lewis, M.D., a retired Marshfield Clinic obstetrician/gynecologist, was honored with the award presented October 23, 2003 in the Melvin R. Laird Center at the Clinic.

Clinic leaders, physicians, family and friends attended the ceremony, which also kicked off the annual meeting of Marshfield Clinic’s National Advisory Council (NAC). The NAC serves as a consultant to Marshfield Clinic and its Divisions of Research and Education.

Lewis called Marshfield Clinic’s system of care the finest in the United States and said, "I am extremely honored to be selected to receive the Heritage Foundation Award. To have played a role in establishing the groundwork of this outstanding medical facility and operation is a great source of pride for me and my family."

"The Heritage Foundation was started for the purpose of building the Laird Center," said Laird, a longtime Clinic supporter, former Secretary of Defense, Wisconsin congressman and first recipient of the Heritage Foundation Award. "But it means more than just a building, it means passion, compassion and quality health care. Those words best describe my friend Russ Lewis."

"The Heritage Foundation Award is a prestigious award that is exemplified by the life and career of Russell Lewis," said Reed Hall, Marshfield Clinic executive director and master of ceremonies for the event.

Read Russell F. Lewis, M.D.'s biography.

Video highlights of Lewis' acceptance speech.

View the entire award presentation.

Return to recipient list