By William N. Kelley

An accomplished internist and academic physician, Dr. William N. Kelley has received a number of prestigious industry honors. In 2005, Dr. William N. Kelley received the George M. Kober Medal from the Association of American Physicians.

The George M. Kober Medal represents the highest honor conferred by the Association of American Physicians. Given on an annual basis, it recognizes the qualities possessed and shown by its namesake, Dr. George Kober. An immigrant who studied medicine while serving in the United States Army, he received his degree from Georgetown School of Medicine. Dr. Kobermaintained a career-long dedication to public health, which he demonstrated as a widely published author of articles on disease prevention and personal wellness.

Also active as leader of several professional organizations, Dr. George Kober spearheaded the Association of American Physicians in its early days. The organization founded the Kober Lectureship, the first award named after this prominent physician, in 1925. At that time, Dr. Kober had entered his 24th year of service as dean of the Georgetown School of Medicine. The Kober Medal was first conferred in 1929, a year after Dr. Kober's retirement from this position. In 1980, the Association began emphasizing the prestige of this award by inviting leading experts as presenters. Thus far, this list has included 12 Nobel laureates as well as other innovators in medicine.