In recognition of his success in improving the health of the San Diego community, Stefan Willging, MD, of Hillcrest Internal Medicine has been honored with the Wilma J. Wooten Individual Award at the 2026 Live Well San Diego 25th Public Health Champion awards ceremony. Live Well San Diego honors clinicians who advance public health and wellness across the populations of San Diego County.

Dr. Willging, who has served the San Diego community for over 20 years, is a partner of Aledade — a physician‑led, national leader in value‑based care — and a member of an Aledade accountable care organization. His practice serves as a model for how primary care organizations can drive significant public health improvements through preventive medicine.

"As a primary care physician dedicated to helping my patients live longer, healthier lives, I am honored to be recognized with this award," Dr. Willging said. "I am deeply thankful to my incredible team at Hillcrest Internal Medicine and my partners at Aledade for their unwavering support, as well as for the critical and impactful work of Live Well San Diego in helping to improve the health of our community."

Dr. Willging’s commitment to his community is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the best care possible, regardless of their circumstances. He provides house calls for those unable to travel and uses discount programs to keep treatments affordable — even when patients are between health plan coverage. Dr. Willging’s practice also provides advance care planning, which gives families peace of mind and ensures their medical preferences are respected. In addition, Dr. Willging’s daily management of urgent patient calls prevents avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

“Dr. Willging represents the very best of value-based primary care,” said Gavin White, the regional market president of Aledade in California. “He combines the enduring value of the patient-physician relationship alongside Aledade’s innovative insights to deliver truly proactive care for the community.”

About Aledade

Aledade is a physician-led public benefit corporation and national leader in value‑based care. We help primary care organizations deliver better patient outcomes and thrive financially by keeping people healthy. Through our accountable care organizations, over 3,000 primary care partners in 46 states and the District of Columbia share in the rewards of improved care for over 3 million patients — supported by advanced insights, AI‑driven technology, personal coaching, policy expertise and 200+ value-based contracts. Learn more at www.aledade.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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"As a primary care physician dedicated to helping my patients live longer, healthier lives, I am honored to be recognized with this award," Dr. Willging said.