In recognition of extraordinary service, dedication, positive attitude and commitment to excellence in research, Dr. Joseph Mazza was recently awarded the Director’s Award during the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute full staff meeting. “When you get an award like this from your colleagues, it makes you feel good,” said Dr. Mazza. “It is the opinion and the input of other people – people who you’ve worked with, respect your ideology and look to you as a leader – those things are very important and meaningful.”

Dr. Mazza has been with Marshfield Clinic Health System since 1970, serving as the assistant director of the internal medicine residency program, director of the medicine/pediatric program and director of medical education in that time. He continues to teach in the residency programs and mentor those interested in clinical research.

“It has been a wonderful ride because when I came here I was able to do everything that I had aspirations to do,” said Dr. Mazza. “I have seen this institution evolve into a wonderful tertiary care center that has managed to push the priorities of education and research into its reputation.”

Dr. Mazza has published more than 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts, written three books and been awarded four teaching awards since coming to the Health System.

“Dr. Mazza has dedicated his life not only to research, but also teaching. It is because of his extraordinary service and dedication to Marshfield Clinic that we wanted to honor him,” said Amit Acharya, B.D.S., Ph.D., executive director of the Research Institute.

Dr. Mazza completed a five-year fellowship program in hematology and internal medicine at Mayo Clinic before coming to Marshfield, where he currently lives with his wife, Virginia, and their dog, Lucy.