COLUMBUS---Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) has announced that Thomas E. Albani Jr., M.D., F.A.A.F.P., of Boardman, Ohio, will receive its 2011 Family Physician of the Year Award during ceremonies set for Sat., Aug. 6 at the OAFP Awards Dinner at the Marriott Columbus Northwest in Dublin.
      Dr. Albani has been practicing family medicine for 27 years and is a solo practitioner in Canfield, Ohio. He is also a volunteer faculty member for the family medicine residency program at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and is an assistant clinical professor at Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOUCOM) in Rootstown.
      “He lives an ‘on call’ life. His care for families day and night is a part of his professional and personal make-up. During the holiday season he comforts families who have lost a loved one that year in his care by sending a poinsettia honoring their life and bringing comfort to the family,” said Tom and Georgia Backus, patients of Albani and award nominators.
      Albani’s contributions to his community go above-and-beyond the typical volunteer citizen. He gives his personal time to help others. In 2008, he helped start a free clinic in his community to assist individuals in need. He currently serves as the medical director of the free clinic, promoting activities, developing and coordinating medical care for the indigent, and staffing the clinic with volunteers.
      “The Midlothian Free Health Clinic serves anyone between the ages of 18 to 65 with no health insurance or health assistance eligibility. He (Albani) spends two of his Thursdays per month at the clinic providing free, quality primary health care to the uninsured living in the south side of the Youngstown communities,” said Mr. Backus.
      “He is highly respected by his peers, his patients – young and old – and his community. His bedside manner is caring, honest and respectful. He is genuinely committed to his patients’ welfare and altruistic in his provision of their care,” said Albani’s colleague, Dr. Elisabeth Young.
      Throughout his career, Dr. Albani has provided a full spectrum of care to his patients, community and fellow citizens. He is the face of family medicine in his community and is deeply devoted to it and his patients.
      “From conversations with him I know he believes that his role as a family physician is to not only serve the health care needs of his patients and volunteer his services to the community, but to share his philosophy with the younger generation,” said Susan Sheridan, a patient of Albani.
      “I thank my primary care physician (Albani) for his forthrightness, his trust and his humanity. I thank him for teaching me lessons that are not found in books,” said Paul Harkey, a past student of Albani.
      “From the moment you walk into his office, you are met with a sense of family, respect and compassion. Dr. Albani has the innate ability to make you feel comfortable, unhurried and cared for. He has treated us not only as individuals but in a way that encompasses the entire family,” explained Jenise Sacui, a patient of Albani. “It is not what he says, but rather what he does not say and his actions that let you know he would be caring for you even if you did not have a cent to your name.”
      Dr. Albani graduated with his MD from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his family medicine residency program at Mount Carmel Medical Center, Columbus. He will be recognized as a Fellow of American Academy of Family Physicians this year.
      Dr. Albani and his wife, Karen, reside in Boardman and have five children, Thomas J., David, Sarah (fiancé, Todd McCormick), Rebecca and Matthew. He enjoys sailing, especially with family and friends and has an interest in travel, music, photography and carpentry.
      OAFP annually presents the Family Physician of the Year Award to an individual who meets and exceeds the criteria of being an outstanding family physician role model; maintaining high professional standards and service orientations; providing high quality and family-centered, continuing health care; and being active in community, education or other public affairs. Also, candidates must have 10 years post-residency (or equivalent) experience, currently be in practice and be a member of OAFP.