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 Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.
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.
Historical List of Physician of the Year Award Winners:
- 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