Dr. David Neil Sundwall was a primary care physician who sought to tend to the needs of those worse off. During his storied career, he developed rigorous volunteering schedules to serve the homeless while serving in DC as Director of health staff at the US Senate Labor and Human Services committee with Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, or while serving as Administrator at the Health Resource  Services  Administration (HRSA).

He extended himself to clinics in communities with the most need, an interest rooted in his public health-oriented practice of medicine. He was also the top health official for the state, nominated by Governor Huntsman for this pivotal position.  He was also an avid educator and mentor, willing to dedicate time to the students he encountered everywhere. We are lucky and honored to have counted on his unwavering support for the Utah AHEC and its leadership, first for the inaugural director Dr. Mike Magill, and later for me.  Our students loved his facilitation of the UT AHEC Scholar Book Club, and his Sundwall Lecture Series, or sharing with him at the yearly UT AHEC Primary Care Summits.

This giant was our Board Member and former Board Chair.  Tatiana and I, the entire UTAHEC state office staff, and UT AHEC Center Directors and staff are saddened by the news of his passing. He did so much and will be forever missed.

Our deepest condolences to his family.

Ivette A. Lopez, MPH, PhD

Director, UTAHEC