Last year's review on chronic cough, by W. Ross Lawler, M.D. (appearing in the December 1998 issue, page 2015), has joined an elite group of articles published in AFP: it was nominated and selected as the best article published in 1998 by a family physician author, making it the 13th recipient of AAFP's prestigious Walter H. Kemp Award. Dr. Lawler's article, “An Office Approach to the Diagnosis of Chronic Cough,” was part of the University of Texas Health Science Center series of articles appearing under the “Problem-Oriented Diagnosis” banner. The award is being presented to Dr. Lawler at the 1999 AAFP Annual Scientific Assembly in Orlando.

Dr. Lawler's article was selected as the winner from over 130 articles published last year and was evaluated on the basis of quality of editorial presentation, scientific substance, originality of thought and relevance to family practice. Indeed, Dr. Lawler's article presents a thoughtful review of a diagnostic dilemma commonly encountered by family physicians. If you haven't yet read the article, it would be well worth a trip to the bookcase or a visit to AFP's Web site.

Dr. Lawler's CV reveals a number of distinguished awards for excellence in teaching and education development, among other honors, to which he will add this most recent evidence of his dedication to family medicine as a specialty. Dr. Lawler, professor of family practice, has served at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, for 25 years. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. He completed an internship at Hennepin County General Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., and a residency in family medicine at the University of Rochester/Highland Hospital, Rochester, N.Y.

The Kemp Award was established in 1986 as a way of recognizing AFP's outstanding family physician authors. The award, which is presented annually and carries a $1,000 honorarium, was named after Walter H. Kemp, who served as managing publisher of AFP for 15 years. Articles considered for the award are selected by the editorial staffs, and several top candidates are nominated for evaluation by the AAFP Commission on Continuing Medical Education. The final nomination is approved by the AAFP Board of Directors.

The runners up for this year's Kemp award are “Travel Medicine: Helping Patients Prepare for Trips Abroad,” by Lew Dick, M.D., M.P.H. (August 1998), “Pediatric Vision Screening for the Family Physician,” by Peter Broderick, M.D. (September 1, 1998), and “Advances in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease,” by Philip D. Sloane, M.D., M.P.H. (November 1, 1998).

Our thanks go to Dr. Lawler and AFP's other fine contributors, who help ensure the success of the journal and the specialty of family practice.