Sheldon Burns, M.D., who has served as a team physician for the Minnesota Vikings for the past 29 seasons, was selected as the 2014 Family Physician of the Year by the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP). The award is presented annually to a family physician who represents the highest ideals of the specialty of family medicine, including caring, comprehensive medical service, community involvement and service as a role model.

Family physicians from across the state are nominated for the award by patients, community members and colleagues and later narrowed down to three finalists. A winner is then selected by the MAFP Board of Directors after reviewing nomination letters and careful consideration to which finalist best fits the award criteria.

"Dr. Burns is an excellent and compassionate care provider who is always willing to listen and make himself available to his patients," said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. "While he is the team doctor for the Minnesota Vikings, many of our players, coaches and staff have also had personal patient relationships with Dr. Burns. We are extremely proud of Dr. Burns for earning this prestigious award."

Dr. Burns, who maintains a busy practice at Edina Family Physicians, has been a family doctor in Minnesota for nearly 40 years in addition to serving as the medical director for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Minnesota Lynx and the Minnesota Wild.

The Family Physician of the Year award has been given annually since 1981. The award was presented to Dr. Burns at the All-Member Celebration during the MAFP Annual Meeting in mid-April. A video highlighting the work of Dr. Burns can be watched via the YouTube player at the top of tihs page.