The American Academy of Family Physicians has announced that Reid Blackwelder, M.D., Professor and Program Director of the ETSU Family Physicians of Kingsport residency program, has been honored as the 2008 Winner of the of Family Physicians' prestigious Exemplary Teaching Award for Full-Time Faculty. This award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to family medicine education in undergraduate, graduate and continuing education spheres. Dr. Blackwelder received his award during a special presentation during the AAFP’s Congress of Delegates in San Diego, California.

Says John P. Franko, M.D., Professor and Chair of the ETSU Department of Family Medicine, "It is truly a once in a lifetime honor that recognizes not only (Dr. Blackwelder's) long and successful tenure as the Program Director of the Kingsport Family Medicine program, but also his national leadership in the design, structure, and implementation of new and innovative ideas for Continuing Medical Education offered by the AAFP."

The American Academy of Family Physicians is the national association of family doctors, with more than 94,000 members in 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and the uniformed services. Founded in 1947, its mission is to improve the health of patients, families, and communities by serving the needs of members with professionalism and creativity.