LANSING, Mich. - State Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren) was presented with a Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) Legislative Leadership Award during the annual MSMS Leadership Summit on May 20, 2009 in Lansing.

“The awards are presented each year to legislators who have shown courage and integrity in fighting for physicians and our patients," said former MSMS president Michael A. Sandler, a Detroit diagnostic radiologist. "We are presenting this award to Sen. Olshove for his efforts to improve health care in Michigan."

"Senator Olshove is the primary sponsor of legislation that would help physicians who treat epilepsy and other diseases that cause a loss of consciousness," said Dr. Sandler. "His legislation would allow physicians to sign off on a patient’s ability to drive a car without fear of legal repercussions that exist in current Michigan statute."

Dr. Sandler said through Sen. Olshove's efforts, the legislation passed the Michigan Senate in the last session and an agreement is being worked out in the Michigan House of Representatives this session.

“The medical society is heartened to know that there are public servants such as Sen. Olshove who understand critical health care issues and who have the courage to provide the necessary leadership to address them,” said Dr. Sandler. "Senator Olshove's strength and leadership have earned him the respect of his legislative colleagues and the support of his constituents."

The Michigan State Medical Society is the statewide professional association of 15,000 medical doctors in Michigan affiliated with the American Medical Association.

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