Congratulations to WPA's own Dr. Laurel Bessey! The highly competitive and prestigious Viste Award was established in 2006 in memory of Dr. Viste, a compassionate and passionate physician leader who exemplified commitment to patients, community and the profession of medicine. Nominations for this award must come from physician peers and the recipient must demonstrate activities and values that promote Dr. Viste’s exceptional legacy.

Dr. Bessey, a psychiatrist with UW Health Wisconsin Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and the Associate Program Director for Psychiatry Residency, received multiple nominations highlighting her advocacy and leadership at the local, state and national level. The Foundation Board felt strongly that she was an outstanding physician to carry on Dr. Viste’s legacy and join the other notable recipients of this award.