The Puppets’ Choice Award was established in 2001 to honor a person who has made outstanding contributions advocating for children in our state. The winner of the 2008 Puppets’ Choice Award is Dr. Lewis R. First, Chief of Pediatrics at the Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont College of Medicine.

Dr. First has been recognized for his clinical and teaching skills on both local and national levels, winning numerous awards and honors, including the  Ambulatory Pediatric Association’s 2007 Miller-Sarkin Mentoring Award; national Education Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics (co-winner in 2006); Clinical Teacher of the Year at UVM (seven times); Green Mountain Pediatric Award; and recognition as one of the four best national medical teachers by the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2002.

To the puppet “kids” Dr. First is so much more than his impressive resume of professional achievements. He’s the doctor who cracks silly jokes and sings off key, and he’s on TV and the radio, as well as in local newspapers, each week offering medical advice through “First with Kids.” Dr. First supports many local non-profit organizations at various charity events, including sitting on KOBVT’s Dunking Booth at Waterfront Park. We hope you can join us in honoring this remarkable doctor and teacher.

If desired, donations to KOBVT may be made in honor of Dr. First.