The American Health Council has cordially appointed Dr. John H. Surry as “Best in Medicine”, in recognition of his achievements in the fields of Family Medicine and Education. As a highly regarded and respected Medical Doctor, Dr. Surry, of Pennsylvania, has amassed almost four and half decades of service over the course of his long and successful career.

Dr. Surry initially thought that he would become a priest and later, an engineer. Several experiences convinced him by his third year in High School that a career in Medicine was a perfect match for his talents and interests. His activities in Boy Scouts including the First Aid and Public Health merit badges, as well as the results of an aptitude test administered that year showing his strengths in science and social service, launched his desire to become a physician. During his final year of High School, the wonderful care he received from his Family Physician cemented his decision to become a Family Physician.

Dr. Surry’s academic studies began with his pre-med at John Carroll University, followed by his MD from St. Louis University School of Medicine, a Residency in Family Medicine at Lancaster General Hospital and a Faculty Development Post-Graduate Program at Duke University. During the second year of his residency training Dr. Surry, who was also a recipient of an Ohio State Medical Association Scholarship, developed an intense interest in teaching other physicians, a path which was to form prominently in his future career.

With expertise in Family Medicine and Family Medicine Education, Dr. Surry worked in Private Practice for 12 years. His varied career included positions as Medical Director of Wheatlyn Family Medical Center and various Faculty appointments at Temple University, Medical College of Wisconsin and Penn State Hershey Medical School. He was Family Medicine Program Director at the Medical College of Wisconsin (Southeastern Residency) and Polyclinic Medical Center (Harrisburg, PA), Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Polyclinic Medical Center (Harrisburg, PA), Regional Medical Director for Correctional Health and Medical Director for Patient First Urgent Care Center.

Dr. Surry retired from active practice in 2017 and now volunteers as Curriculum Lead for the Committee on Continuing Professional Development of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP). The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) is the professional member-driven association for more than 5,000 Pennsylvania family physicians and family medicine residents and students. It is unified with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and serves to ascertain the educational needs of Family Physicians, organize educational programs to meet those identified needs, analyze the impact of those programs, develop content and lectures and track program content to insure the spectrum of practice is addressed.

On a day to day basis Dr. Surry serves as the curriculum lead for PAFP, drawing from a diverse set of experiences and interests derived from private practice, medical education of students and residents, and corporate practice in Correctional Health, Occupational Health and Urgent Care.

Looking back at his many achievements, Dr. Surry is particularly proud of being an Eagle Scout, as well as his inclusion in the National Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma NU (Jesuit National Honor Society). He also holds his accolades as Northeastern Ohio Debate Champion and National Debate Championship Participant in high esteem.

Dr. Surry’s success derives from an ongoing curiosity and love of medical practice and how to help his fellow physicians learn effectively in a positive learning environment while maintaining competency in the challenging speciality of Family Medicine. He loved serving his patient populations and teaching students and residents and now is focused on the education of Family Physicians.

Keen to remain at the forefront of his profession, Dr. Surry is an esteemed Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (FAAFP), a Life Member of American Academy of Family Physicians and a Life Member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.

Within the next five years, Dr. Surry plans to travel extensively while continuing his medical and personal reading and studies. He plans to focus on writing both medical articles and lectures, and personal books regarding Fatherhood. Through his continued affiliation with the PAFP, he hopes to expand the reach and impact of medical education programs.

When not busy working, Dr. Surry enjoys traveling, writing, reading, theater trips, camping, hiking and canoeing. He is also extremely charitable, including being a Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Donor and a Flight 93 National Memorial Founding Sponsor. Additionally, he supports Habitat for Humanity and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.