SKOWHEGAN -- That tall, thin speedster on the bicycle zooming through downtown Skowhegan nearly every day of the year has been recognized by his peers as one of the best family doctors in the state.

Dr. Michael Lambke was recently named Maine Family Doctor of the Year by the Maine Academy of Family Practice during its annual conference in South Portland.

Lambke, who first came to Skowhegan in 1996, is an involved, caring family practitioner who displays a high level of quality and compassion, according to the academy, officials at Redington-Fairview General Hospital, patients and friends. A leader in the medical community, as well as his adopted hometown, Lambke joined Skowhegan Family Medicine in 1998.

Oh yes, and then there are the chickens on the front lawn of the Water Street home he shares with wife Amber and young children, Miles and Zoe.

"What's with the chickens? Well that's just good food, part of the quality of food movement, aren't they?" joked the 40-year-old Lambke, who is involved in the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative and is passionate about good nutrition.

That easy-going demeanor, his broad smile and his efforts with child obesity projects and other volunteer activity have made him a hit with townspeople, according to friends and patients such as Jeff McCabe, director of Lake George Regional Park.

"I met him through friends on a casual level, but soon became involved with him on child obesity projects," McCabe said. "Mike's an expert on that. He's well-versed on the subject of getting children active and the science behind it. He has a common sense approach. He's passionate and committed."

Skowhegan Recreation Director Denise LeBlanc said Lambke has been very supportive of physical fitness programs at the center.

"I'm working on a child obesity program as part of a series and he has helped a lot," LeBlanc said. "He's been working with the New Balance Foundation Move More Kids initiative and has been a great local resource. And he's got a sense of humor- laid back and easy to get along with."

Bill Primmerman, project director for Somerset Heart Health, said he nominated Lambke for the award because of his dedication to the community.

"I think he's very visible around the community and practices what he tells people to do -- be physically active," Primmerman said. "He's a great role model, he's very genuine."

On any given day, Lambke can be spotted anywhere around town, whether it's at the local farmer's market, dancing at local galas, shooting hoops with the neighborhood kids, or working on the downtown traffic circle, with his son in tow. In the meantime, he is on the hospital board and president of the medical staff of Redington-Fairview General Hospital.

Certified by the American Board of Family Practice, Lambke grew up in the Chicago, is a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit and completed his residency with Maine-Dartmouth Family Practice in Augusta -- which he said brought him to Maine in 1996, covering for doctors away on vacation.

"I covered many places in the state, and in Alaska, and decided I really like it here -- really liked it," Lambke said.

Darla L. Pickett -- 474-9534, Ext. 341

dpickett@centralmaine.com