October 31, 2006 (Charleston, SC) — The National Association For Continence (NAFC) proudly bestowed its Continence Care Champion (CCC) award to Matt Toren Rosenberg, MD, a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). This makes only the third of such awards. Dr. Peter Sand, of Northwestern University’s Department of Urogynecology, assisted in presenting the honor as a representative of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) Foundation Board of Directors, which sponsored the award.

The nominations process was open nationwide and included a form on NAFC’s Web site that practitioners and patients alike could submit. The award recognizes a healthcare provider who has distinguished himself in research, clinical practice, and education with accomplishments meaningful to continence care. A selection team from the NAFC Board of Directors chose one recipient from the group of nominees.

Dr. Rosenberg is a family care provider and member of the management team at the Mid-Michigan Health Centers clinic in Jackson, Michigan. He serves not only as Chairman, but also as one of the Regional Medical Directors of the Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee of Health Plan of Michigan. Dr. Rosenberg has an insatiable hunger for knowledge, which he zealously shares with his patients and peers. In presenting the award Nancy Muller, NAFC executive director, expressed, “Knowing how much the average primary care provider needs to read just to stay abreast of so much in so many different disciplines, heaven knows how Dr. Rosenberg has time for research and writing of his own, much less time for involvement with medical societies such as the American Urologic Association and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America.”

His unique career path began as he completed his residency at Harvard’s Longwood Program in Urology, serving as Chief Resident. During that time, he wrote such articles as “Comparison of laparoscopic and open retropubic urethropexy for treatment of stress urinary incontinence” published by Urology and “Laparoscopic bladder neck suspension” published in Urology Times. His interest in incontinence was evident at this point and only grew stronger as he ventured into long-term care thereafter as medical director of a nursing facility and subsequently launched a practice in primary care. Amy Rosenman, MD, AUGS Foundation president, shares, “On behalf of the Foundation, I congratulate Dr. Rosenberg. His bold and unconventional practices are those from which others in continence care can learn. He is a true leader.”

Though this award focuses on a notable member of AAFP, various other medical organizations are involved with NAFC’s CCC award program as well. These groups include: American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology (SUFU), Society of Urogynecologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA), Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), American Geriatrics Society (AGS), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), Society of Women in Urology (SWIU), Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) and, most recently, the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology (APAOG).

About American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

The American Academy of Family Physicians is dedicated to improving the health of patients, families, and communities by serving the needs of members with professionalism and creativity. The AAFP and its members are committed to care that is equitable for all people; centered on the whole person within the context of family and community; based on science, technology, and best available evidence, supported by lifelong professional learning; and grounded in respect and compassion for the individual.

About American Urogynecological Society Foundation (AUGS Foundation)

The American Urogynecologic Society Foundation, founded in 2001, is dedicated to advancing the field of urogynecology through public education programs regarding urogynecology and female pelvic floor dysfunction; programs to help women deal with pelvic floor dysfunction; and research regarding the causes, prevention, cure and treatment of urogynecologic disorder and pelvic floor dysfunction.

About the National Association For Continence (NAFC)

The National Association For Continence is a 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is threefold:  1) to educate the public about the causes, diagnosis categories, treatment options, and management alternatives for incontinence, voiding dysfunction, nocturnal enuresis, and related pelvic floor disorders; 2) to network with other organizations and agencies to elevate the visibility and priority given to these areas; and 3) to advocate on behalf of consumers who suffer from such symptoms as a result of disease or other illness, obstetrical, surgical or other trauma, or deterioration due to the aging process itself. NAFC is broadly funded by consumers, healthcare professionals and industry. It is the world’s largest and most prolific consumer advocacy organization devoted exclusively to this field.