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She started her education at Michigan State University, East
Lansing, MI, at age 16 where she earned a bachelor of
science degree in Physiology. Dr. Edje was president of her
medical school student body at the University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor, MI, and she completed her family medicine
training, with honors at the Toledo Hospital Family Medicine
Residency.
In her first decade of private practice at St. Luke’s
Hospital, Toledo, she was the youngest chief of staff in the
100-year history of the hospital and the first female chair
of the Department of Family Medicine. She avidly supports
her medical school on the University of Michigan Alumni
Society Board and Admission Committee. She is an elected
representative of Lucas County physicians to the Ohio State
Medical Association and an Ohio delegate to the American
Medical Association (AMA). She also served on the governing
council of the AMA from 2008-10, the youngest in AMA history
and the first minority to serve.
Dr. Edje’s contributions to her community are many. She
gives her personal time to volunteer in numerous community
organizations. She is a current board member of Kids
Unlimited, an organization that focuses on inner-city
children providing measureable improvements in academics,
character development, and self-discipline. She is also a
member of the CareNet Leadership Group, a partnership across
multiple hospital systems in Toledo, which collaborates to
provide access to coordinated health care services for
low-income residents who do not have health insurance and do
not qualify for governmental health care.
She is also a member of ProMedica Health System’s Toledo
Hospital.
Dr. Edje makes a lasting impact on all she meets by
encouraging and inspiring them.
“She suggests to her mentees that they ‘dream in high
definition,’ visualizing every single detail and challenges
them to meet their potential,” said Vicki Bertka, MD, a
colleague of Dr. Edje and award nominator.
“Dr. Edje embodies warmth and inspires confidence. As
someone with several chronic illnesses, I appreciate Dr.
Edje’s patient-centered approach. She understands that while
I value her medical expertise, any treatment recommendations
need to fit with my unique lifestyle. She recognizes that
these (personal) connections are as important to my health
and well-being as my medication. The attention she provides
to me as a whole person assures me that all issues are being
addressed,” explained a current patient of Dr. Edje, Mary
Beth Lutton.
She exemplifies what patients want in a family physician
including compassion, competence, and the ability to
communicate with patients and their families.
Debra Ball, a colleague of Edje explained in her support
letter that, “Dr. Edje is compassionate and caring and takes
time to understand her patient’s emotional well-being in
order to most effectively treat her patient’s physical
needs. She is a leader who can give people voice and
direction by her ability to listen; with her heart, her
mind, and her eyes. Dr. Edje is open to many diverse points
of view and responds with respect, dignity, and courtesy in
all her interactions. She is proactive and committed to
excellence, and she is a humble leader always learning and
seeking to mentor.”
Dr. Edje and her daughter, Francesca, honor student and
recent cheerleading captain, reside in Maumee, OH (43537).
The OAFP annually presents the Family Physician of the Year
Award to an individual who meets and exceeds the criteria of
being an outstanding family physician role model;
maintaining high professional standards and service
orientations; providing high quality and family-centered,
continuing health care; and being active in community,
education, or other public affairs. Also, candidates must
have 10 years post-residency (or equivalent) experience,
currently be in practice, and be a member of the OAFP.
Dr. Edje will receive the Family Physician of the Year Award
at the 2012 OAFP Awards Dinner on Saturday, August 4, 2012,
from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Marriott Columbus Northwest in
Dublin, OH. Registration to attend the dinner is $40 per
person; there is no charge for OAFP members. Reservations
can be made by calling the OAFP at (800) 742-7327.
Also during the awards ceremony, W. Fred Miser, MD, MA,
FAAFP of Powell, OH, will be presented with the OAFP Family
Medicine Educator of the Year Award.
The Ohio Academy
of Family Physicians is a statewide, professional
association with more than 4,300 members, including
practicing physicians, family medicine residents, and
medical students. The scope of family medicine encompasses
all ages, both sexes, and every disease entity. Family
physicians provide comprehensive, continuing care to all
members of the family. For more information, visit
www.ohioafp.org. |
