San Diego physician Richard Butcher, M.D., a California Medical Association (CMA) member for nearly 50 years, was named the National Medical Association’s (NMA) Practitioner of the Year at the NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly on Saturday.

This prestigious award signifies peer recognition for demonstrated service and characteristics that exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and sense of community. The award is given to a physician who is highly regarded in his community as both a physician and a person, who shows the quality of compassion and has worked toward bettering problems in his community.

“History is nourished by instructive example,” said Lawrence Sanders Jr., M.D., NMA president. “The instructive example of [Dr. Butcher’s] life and dedication to improving the health of millions of Americans daily” led to him receiving the award.

Dr. Butcher received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., then became an officer in the Navy – ultimately completing his residency at Riverside General Hospital. He has served in the heart of the African American community for decades, especially as medical director for the Alliance for African Assistance, which works to provide assistance to refugees and other internationally displaced persons. With his wife, Dr. Butcher also co-founded a non-profit, Water for Children Africa, which provides safe and sustainable water to rural villages in Africa, in addition to educating people about hygiene.