Physician of the Year
The Physician of the Year Award is presented to one physician during years when a worthy candidate exists for an outstanding accomplishment, event or service during the preceding calendar year. All candidates must be members of MAOPS.
The 2025 MAOPS Physician of the Year is Ben Cook, DO.
Dr. Cook is a 2014 graduate of ATSU-KCOM and completed his residency in family medicine at Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He has been a loyal and dedicated MAOPS member since that time. He has participated on the MAOPS Convention Committee the last two years and was integral in establishing the collaborative relationship with Special Olympics Missouri for this year’s Community Care Celebration.
In addition to his duties as a family medicine physician at Jefferson City Medical Group and his volunteer responsibilities with MAOPS, Dr. Cook serves as Clinical Director for Special Olympics Missouri, as well as on their Board of Directors. In 2022, he received the prestigious Golisano Health Leadership Award from Special Olympics Missouri for his service to the athletes and organization. Special Olympics Missouri’s Health Partner Director, Carol Griffin, says Dr. Cook is her go-to person when she needs physicians recruited to events. Special Olympics athletes are an underserved population, and Dr. Cook’s passion is ensuring they receive the care they need from the best physicians.
Award Recipients from Past Years
Physician of the Year Award
2025
Ben Cook, DO
2024
Katie Davenport-Kabonic, DO, FAAFP
2023
Bruce Williams, DO, FACOFP dist.
2021
David Tannehill, DO, FACP, FACOI
2020
Jeff Davis, DO
2019
David Tannehill, DO, FACP
2018
Mark Pelikan, DO
2017
Logan Banks, DO
2016
Larry McIntire, DO, FOCOO
2015
John Bailey, DO
2014
Kevin P. Hubbard, DO
2013
Curtis Mather, DO
2012
Randall Halley, DO
2011
Loretta Feeler, DO
2010
Jerry A. Keuhn, DO
2009
Kenneth E. Ross, DO
2008
Lancer G. Gates, DO
2006
Jon W. Roberts, DO
2004
Arturo Gonzalez, DO
2001
Jeffery A. Kerr, DO
2000
Rex O. Lee, DO
1997
Gary J. Fortune, DO
1996
David Bean, DO
1995
Terry Weis, DO
1994
Jeffery A. Kerr, DO
1993
Gordon Knight, DO
1992
Elaine Joslyn, DO
1991
Joseph Molnar, DO
1990
B.L. Boatright, DO
1989
Thomas J. Stees, DO
1988
Ronald W. Hubbard, DO
1986
Eugene E. Langevin, DO
1985
John L. Hart, DO
1983
William H. Voss, DO
1982
William D. Smittle, DO
1976
Richard K. Jacks, DO
1975
James C. Coleberd, DO
1974
John C. Taylor, DO
1972
Gene P. Barbour, DO