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Michigan State Medical Society delivers Wierman's award

By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 11:01 AM EST

James L. Wierman, DO, of Dowagiac, Thursday at Zeke's received his Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) "Volunteers Who Make a Difference" community service award for decades of missionary medicine dating back to the 1970s.

Dr. Wierman began his work with extended service in Haiti and Rwanda, and he now leads an annual volunteer mission to rural Haiti.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Dowagiac, where he is a member and has served on the vestry, sponsors the missions.

Dr. Wierman also founded and serves as president of the Cass County Free Clinic.

The 14,000-physician Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) features him in its new Michigan Medicine magazine.

In June 2006, Dr. Wierman became the second non-Rotarian named a Paul Harris Fellow by Dowagiac Rotary Club.

Dr. Boonchoo Chang nominated the internist, who has lived in Dowagiac since 1978.

Dr. Wierman is also a recipient of the Barnabas Award from the Cass County Ministerial Association.

Dr. Wierman and his wife Denise - they went to Haiti on their honeymoon in 1969 - on May 7, 2003, opened the Cass County Free Health Clinic at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital to help an estimated 6,000 county residents who lack health care.

Born in Saginaw, Dr. Wierman graduated from Asbury College in 1963 and earned his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1968.

He completed his residency at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.

He served at Berrien General Hospital from 1973-78.

He has been chief of staff three times at Borgess-Lee Memorial.

The Wiermans have two daughters.

Nicole has master's degrees in public health and social work.

Meredith is a doctor specializing in internal medicine.

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