Michael LeNoir, M.D., has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the California Medical Association (CMA) Foundation's Adarsh S. Mahal, M.D., Access to Health Care and Disparities Award. This award was established by 2007 CMA President Anmol S. Mahal, M.D., and his wife Surjit K. Mahal, M.D., to honor an individual or organization that has made an extraordinary contribution toward improving access to health care or reducing health care disparities in California. Dr. LeNoir has exemplified this mission through his leadership and tireless delivery of care to underserved populations for over 30 years.

Dr. LeNoir accepted the award during the President's Reception and Awards Gala, held during CMA's annual House of Delegates meeting last weekend in Anaheim.

Dr. LeNoir’s vision has served to provide a pathway for reducing the heavy burden of inadequate health care, especially in the area of asthma treatment. He is a board certified allergist who has practiced in the Bay Area since 1977 and is a fellow of both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. For 20 years, Dr. LeNoir was the Director of Allergy Services at San Francisco General Hospital, where he worked on asthma issues in underserved communities. He also spent 10 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel, receiving the Army Commendation Medal and serving as the allergy consultant to the 6th Army Area.

Dr. LeNoir is also CEO of the Ethnic Health America Network, a health communications company that has produced national media programs since 1985. Popular programs include Ethnic Health America, a television health magazine that at one time reached 1,400 cities nationwide, and About Health, a one-hour radio talk show on Pacifica Radio. His health spots have educated many about health care issues affecting the African American community in California.

The Golden State Medical Association nominated Dr. LeNoir for this award because of his longstanding leadership in improving health care access and education for all, especially in the African American community.

Dr. LeNoir has served as a Past President of the National Medical Association, as Chair of the Colloquium on African American Health, as President of the Ethnic Health Institute at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, and in countless other leadership positions.