The American Society of Anesthesiologists granted California State Sen. Richard Pan, MD, the 2016 Excellence in Government award.
Here are three notes:
1. Dr. Pan won the award for his efforts to improve patient safety and further enhance healthcare policy in California and around the country, according to ASA President Daniel Cole, MD.
2. Trained as a pediatrician, Dr. Pan is the former director of the University of California-Davis' Pediatric Residency Program.
3. Over the course of his political career, Dr. Pan has authored numerous pieces of legislation, including landmark legislation to abolish non-medical exemptions to legally required vaccines for school students.