The Overland Park Regional Medical Center (OPRMC)  awarded Kansas Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. with the Frist Humanitarian Award. Governor Sam Brownback helped present the award to Dr. Colyer.

Lt. Governor Colyer graduated from Thomas More Prep High School in Hays before earning his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1981 and his Masters Degree from Cambridge University in Cambridge, England.  He returned home for medical school, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas in 1986.

“Dr. Colyer is an incredibly talented and dedicated physician, humanitarian and public servant. He is devoted to philanthropic efforts across the globe; as recently as last summer he went to Syria to bring medical services to those iLt. Governor Colyer graduated from Thomas More Prep High School in Hays before earning his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1981 and his Masters Degree from Cambridge University in Cambridge, England.  He returned home for medical school, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas in 1986.

Dr. Colyer has served on the medical staff at the OPRMC for 17 years and also serves on the hospital’s board of trustees. He also has volunteered for more than 20 years through the International Medical Corps (IMC) in numerous war-zones, including Iraq, Rwanda, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan, to bring medical care to those in desperate need.

The Frist Humanitarian Award was created in 1971 to honor outstanding individuals for their humanitarian and volunteer activities. Named in honor of Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., a founder of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), this award recognizes individuals who serve the community and those in need and whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment. Awards are given in three categories; HCA employee, HCA volunteer, and a HCA-affiliated physician.

“This is such an honor and a complete surprise. I love being a doctor and helping to make a difference in people’s lives. Thank you to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center for this recognition,” Dr. Colyer said.

Dr. Colyer was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 2006 and was then elected to the Kansas Senate in 2008. In 2010, then-U.S. Senator Brownback selected him as his running mate for governor. Colyer currently lives in Overland Park with his wife Ruth and their three daughters.