Special Olympics Wisconsin proudly recognizes Dr. Michael Clark as the recipient of the Local Golisano Health Leadership Award, celebrating his decades-long commitment to advancing inclusive health and improving the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Clark, an accomplished Emergency Medicine Physician, has dedicated more than 20 years to the Special Olympics movement. His passion for the movement began long before his medical career. Having been introduced to the organization as a child, he developed an early passion for its mission that would later shape his professional path and volunteer leadership.
Among the many roles he has held, two stand out as especially meaningful: Medfest Clinical Director and Medical Director for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Since beginning medical school in 2002, Dr. Clark has played a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of athletes at competitions across the state. He has led first aid operations at tournaments, recruited and mentored countless medical professionals and students, and built a strong network of healthcare volunteers who continue to support Special Olympics events.
In 2009, Dr. Clark founded Medfest in Wisconsin, a cornerstone initiative that provides athletes with essential pre-participation physical examinations, ensuring they are cleared to compete and connected to broader healthcare resources. Under his leadership, Medfest has grown into a sustainable, impactful program that continues to serve athletes year after year.
Beyond event-based care, Dr. Clark has been a driving force behind Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Inclusive Health initiatives. Through his work at the Medical College of Wisconsin – Central Wisconsin campus, he has helped bridge the gap between future healthcare providers and individuals with intellectual disabilities. He was instrumental in piloting the organization’s first standardized patient experience; an innovative program designed to better prepare medical students to deliver compassionate, competent care to this population. Additionally, he has created meaningful pathways for students to engage with Special Olympics Wisconsin through internships, fostering the next generation of inclusive health advocates.
Dr. Clark’s leadership has also extended to governance, having served as a member of the Special Olympics Wisconsin Board of Directors from 2015 to 2016. His strategic insight and unwavering dedication have helped shape the organization’s direction and strengthen its impact statewide.
“Through every role he has undertaken, Dr. Clark has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to inclusion, dignity, and health equity,” said Brittany Hoegh, Senior Director of Health for Special Olympics Wisconsin. “His work has not only enhanced the quality of care available to Special Olympics athletes but has also influenced the broader healthcare community to be more inclusive and responsive.”
The Local Golisano Health Leadership Award honors individuals who exemplify excellence in advancing health equity for people with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Michael Clark’s lifelong dedication, innovative leadership, and profound impact make him a truly deserving recipient.
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