Dr. Michael C. Havekost, Emergency Department Medical Director for Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center, has achieved the Degree of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The degree was conferred on more than 175 family physicians during a convocation earlier this month in conjunction with the AAFP’s annual meeting in Denver, Colo. This year's fellowship class brings the total number of AAFP Fellows to more than 29,000 nationwide.

Established in 1971, the AAFP Degree of Fellow recognizes family physicians who have distinguished themselves through service to family medicine and ongoing professional development. Criteria for receiving the AAFP Degree of Fellow consist of a minimum of six years of membership in the organization, extensive continuing medical education, participation in public service programs outside medical practice, conducting original research, and serving as a teacher in family medicine.

Havekost received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his medical doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha.  He has practiced medicine in Beatrice since 1991.