David Pieper, Ph.D., assistant dean of the Wayne State University School of Medicine's Department of Continuing Medical Education and executive director of the Southeast Michigan Center for Medical Education, has been recognized for his service to the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

Dr. Pieper received the council's 2012 Robert Raszkowski, M.D., Ph.D. ACCME Hero Award, which recognizes members who have provided exemplary and long-term service through membership on its boards and committees.

"This award recognizes my willingness to serve the ACCME in the capacity of site surveyor, Accreditation Review Committee member and board member," said Dr. Pieper, who received the honor Nov. 29. "The award is named for Dr. Robert Raszkowski. I knew Dr. Raszkowski, and he was a strong leader in the larger CME community."

The council is the accreditation body for Continuing Medical Education. It develops and promotes stands and qualities for CME programs used by physicians to maintain competence and add new knowledge to improve medical care. The award is named for the late Dr. Raszkowski, a long-time, dedicated ACCME volunteer recognized for years of volunteerism and his commitment to excellence in CME.

"You are part of a distinguished group of volunteers whose contributions exemplify Dr. Raszkowski's spirit of volunteerism," Murray Kopelow, M.D., ACCME president and chief executive officer, wrote to Dr. Pieper. "The ACCME is indebted to you for the generosity with which you have shared your time and expertise, which have in turn assisted the ACCME in developing and promoting standards for quality CME."

Dr. Pieper has been active with the ACCME in various capacities, including serving with the Michigan State Medical Society CME Accreditation Review Committee, the Society for Academic CME, the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions and the Association for Hospital Medical Education.