William G. Sayres, MD, Spokane
The Washington Academy of Family Physicians is proud to honor William G. Sayres, MD as its 2009 Family Physician of the Year. This award recognizes Dr Sayres’ years of caring and compassionate service to his patients, his dedication to Family Medicine, and his contributions to developing and improving the profession for future physicians and their patients.
As the Clinical Chief of Group Health Riverfront Medical Center, in Spokane, Dr. Sayres goes out of his way to provide compassionate and thorough patient care, which at times includes making house calls, nursing home visits and trips to the hospital on his day off. Dr. James M. Bingham notes that, “He sees an incredibly high volume of patients,” and yet, “has mastered the clinical art of impressing on the patients that they have all the time in the world they need to address their concerns...He is truly the quintessential family physician, practicing the full spectrum of primary care to which family physicians aspire.”
Dr. Sayres has been an active member of the Academy since 1986 and has spent several years serving in the WAFP pre-med mentorship program as well as working with the UWSOM as a mentor to medical students. Brooks Ohlson, a first year medical student says, “He is constantly challenging me to think outside of the box and encouraging me to develop in areas I never though applied to practicing ‘good’ medicine.” Ohlson was also inspired by Dr. Sayres relationship with his patients, “Each time I entered the room with Dr. Sayres, I saw the joy he brought to his patients…his care and compassion translates into comfort for even the most significantly ill patients.”
Dr Sayres is a well respected leader in Family Medicine, and his character and integrity are admired by those with whom he has worked. Dr. Tom Schaaf, who nominated Dr. Sayres for the award, notes that Bill is “one of the most thoughtful and effective primary care clinic chiefs in the state…His skill shines through in the tasks he has taken on and the trust his patients and colleagues give him.”
Other accolades and awards Dr. Sayres has received include; the Ward C. Miles Award for Clinical Quality, by Group Health Permanente in 2001; and in 1988 the American Academy of Family Physicians’ selected him to receive the Parke-Davis Teacher Development Award, given to family physicians exhibiting excellence in part-time teaching.
Dr Sayres is a well respected leader in Family Medicine, and his character and integrity are admired by those with whom he has worked. Dr. Tom Schaaf, who nominated Sayres for the award, notes that Bill is “one of the most thoughtful and effective primary care clinic chiefs in the state…His skill shines through in the tasks he has taken on and the trust his patients and colleagues give him.”
Dr. William G. Sayres epitomizes excellence in Family Medicine. The WAFP commends his selfless contribution to the profession, his compassion for patients and colleagues alike, and thanks him for his inspiration to students and residents.