RUMFORD – Dr. John Kroger of Swift River Health Care has achieved the degree of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. The academy is a national medical association representing more than 94,000 family physicians, residents and medical students. The degree was conferred on about 250 family physicians during the academy’s annual meeting.

The degree recognizes family physicians who have distinguished themselves through service to family medicine and ongoing professional development. This year’s fellowship class brings the total number of American Academy of Family Physicians Fellows to more than 29,000 nationwide.

To receive the degree, a family physician must have been an association member for at least six years, have completed extensive continuing education, participated in public service programs outside medical practice, conducted original research and served as a teacher in family medicine.

A graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Kroger earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. He served his family practice residency at Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, Pa. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Having practiced at Swift River Health Care for more than 12 years, Kroger currently serves as president of Rumford Hospital Medical Staff.