Excellence
in Medicine
Awards
The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide.
Who Should be Nominated?
You should consider submitting a nomination if you know a physician or medical advocate who:
Leads through service, volunteerism, or advocacy
Has made a meaningful impact in their community
Demonstrates leadership beyond clinical practice
Advances access to care for underserved populations
How to Nominate
Nominations will be accepted from Monday, September 14, through Monday, January 11. Click here to submit a nomination.
The Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award will be recognized at the AMA Foundation's National Consortium Convening in March 2027. Nominations for this award close on Monday, November 23
Nomination Steps
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All required responses must be completed directly within the application portal.
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A minimum of one letter of recommendation is required (up to five may be submitted)
Letters must be uploaded as a single file
Uploading the nominee’s CV or resume is optional but highly encouraged
Supplemental materials (media coverage, publications, etc.) are optional but encouraged and should be uploaded as a single file
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Once complete, electronically sign the nomination form and click Submit.
Nomination Timeline
Nominations open: September 14, 2026
Nomination deadlines:
Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award: November 23, 2026
All other Excellence in Medicine Award categories: January 11, 2027
Award notifications:
Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award nominees and nominators: January 11, 2027
All other Excellence in Medicine Award nominees and nominators: March 3, 2027
Award recognition:
Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award recipients will be recognized at the 2027 National Consortium Convening in March 2027.
All other award recipients will be recognized during the AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting in June 2027.
Travel support: The AMA Foundation will cover recipients' travel and lodging expenses to attend their award recognition event.
Award Categories
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Honors deserving physicians dedicated to clinically advancing women’s health and/or demonstrating courageous advocacy in support of women, including all who identify as women, or women’s health.
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Recognizes the work of U.S. physicians who demonstrate altruism, compassion, integrity, leadership and personal sacrifice while providing quality health care to destitute, distressed or marginalized populations in impoverished communities.
Made possible by Debasish Mridha, MD
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Honors physicians who are committed to expanding knowledge through teaching, conducting research and publishing. Other qualifying virtues include leadership, volunteerism and philanthropic activities in medical and other civic organizations.
Made possible by Edmond Cabbabe, MD, and Rima Cabbabe
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Honors volunteers, AMA staff and donors for their active engagement and unwavering support of the AMA Foundation. Recipients are those who inspire hopefulness and encourage others to join them in giving their time and personal resources to further advance the Foundation’s mission.
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Honors physicians, residents/fellows and final-year medical students that have demonstrated outstanding work, innovation and leadership in LGBTQ policy, advocacy, patient care, academics (teaching and research), workforce diversity and/or health care administration.
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Honors physicians for outstanding international service in the areas of medical practice, medical education or medical research.
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Honors senior physicians (55+ years old) who are committed to providing medical care to those without access to health care in the U.S.
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Honors International Medical Graduates who demonstrate a commitment to organized medicine. Nominees are not limited with regards to age, race, gender, gender identity, or medical specialty profession.
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Honors physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S.
