BISMARCK, N.D. (NDMA) – Dr. James Buhr, a retired physician from Valley City, was recognized during the North Dakota Medical Association’s (NDMA) Annual Meeting for being the 2022 recipient of the COPIC Humanitarian Award.
This prestigious award honors a North Dakota Medical Association (NDMA) member physician for volunteer medical services and contributions to the community. The award is sponsored by COPIC – NDMA’s medical liability partner – and designates a $10,000 donation to the recipient’s charity of choice. Dr. Buhr selected the Valley City Public Schools Education Foundation as the recipient.
Dr. Buhr was nominated by NDMA member Dr. Misty Anderson, a Sanford Health Internal Medicine physician practicing in Valley City. She said that for years Dr. Buhr worked to provide better access to rural health care by traveling to rural clinics caring for patients.
“Dr. Buhr graciously accepted all of the changes and challenges in medicine over the years,” said Anderson. “In addition, he has a special interest in caring for the underserved.”
Through the years, Dr. Buhr made mission trips to countries like Zululand, Liberia, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. One trip included a four-year commitment to help start a hospital. Even in retirement, Dr. Buhr continues to remain active in volunteerism and works closely with Global Health Ministries. He believes that no matter how remote a village is, people should have access to health care.
In addition, for many years he served as the primary physician for Valley City’s Open Door Center serving adults and children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Close to Dr. Anderson’s heart is that fact that once the pandemic hit, Dr. Buhr chose to postpone retirement. When it comes to practicing medicine, the duo shares a history of watching each other’s backs.
“He was willing to step in and help with the workload because he wanted to make sure I was going to be alright,” said Dr. Anderson.
Dr. Buhr is a life-time member of the NDMA and has dedicated many years of leadership service to improving the health and well being of North Dakota’s citizens.
NDMA is a member organization dedicated to protecting physician practices and patient care. Learn more about NDMA at ndmed.org
