MILFORD, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska doctor has been elected president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Robert Wergin will be an advocate for family doctors and patients nationwide as he leads the trade group that represents nearly 116,000 doctors and medical students.

Wergin practices medicine in Milford, Nebraska, which is where he grew up. He also serves as medical director of Crest View Care Center, and he serves on the Milford Public Schools Foundation board.

Previously, Wergin was named the Nebraska Family Physician of the Year in 2002. He also received a state award for his work as a nursing home medical director in 2012.