The Excellence in Medicine Awards (frequently known as the Leadership Awards) are accolades presented annually by the American Medical Association Foundation to recognize excellence of a select group of physicians and medical students who exemplify the medical profession’s highest values: commitment to service, community involvement, altruism, leadership and dedication to patient care. The AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards are considered the "Oscars" within the medical community.
The awards are highly covered in the medical news world.[1][2][3] They are also recognized widely in traditional media outlets.[4][5] Past recipients have been from diverse institutions including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Yale, MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The recipients of these awards obtain national recognition for their dedication and leadership in medicine, along with grants and funding for their projects.
Contents |
Aiding underserved U. S. Patients
The Pride in the Profession Awards honor physicians whose lives encompass the true spirit of being a medical professional: caring for people. By practicing medicine in areas of challenge or crisis, or by devoting their time to volunteerism or public service, these physicians serve as the voice of patients in the United States who otherwise might not be heard.
Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, the current US Surgeon General was bestowed with this award at the 2009 awards just two months prior to being nominated by President Obama on July 13, 2009.
Improving health care globally
Named for the founder of the AMA, the Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine recognizes physicians whose influence reach the international patient population and change the future of their medical care. By treating, educating and counseling patients beyond the U. S. border, the physician’s work is having a positive impact on health care in the global arena.
Developing leaders in medicine
This award recognizes exceptional medical professionals who go beyond the medical practice to positively influence health care. Through organized medicine and community activities, these individuals from different stages of the physician lifecycle make a difference in the quality of health care and the medical environment.
The Leadership Awards are presented to 15 medical students, 10 residents/fellows and 5 early career physicians highly-selected from across the United States to recognize their outstanding leadership in the areas of advocacy, community service and/or education.
Award recipients are also invited to attend leadership development training in Washington, D. C. This training will strengthen leadership skills and result in a greater effort to advance health care in America.[6] Recipients include Alexander Ding M.D., Rashid Rashid M.D., Ph.D, Jesse Ehrenfeld M.D., Andrew Miller M.D., Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla M.D., and Richard D. Urman M.D. [7]
Senior physician volunteerism
The Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism recognizes the work of senior physicians who provide treatment to U. S. patients who lack access to health care. After a full career of practice, these physicians remain dedicated to the future of medicine through the spirit of volunteerism.