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. Nominations are now open and close on February 9, 2026.
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 through the online application portal from through February 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
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: October 27, 2025
Nomination deadline: February 9, 2026
Notification to nominators: April 6, 2026
Awards ceremony: June 2026, during the AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting
If selected, the AMA Foundation will cover awardees’ travel and lodging expenses.
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.
The awards listed below are made possible in partnership with the American Medical Association (AMA).
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In partnership with the AMA:
Recognizes the professional or public health education activities of practicing physicians.
Includes a $3,500 stipend and certificate.
Special consideration will be given to those physicians working in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Award recipient selected by the AMA Foundation Board of Directors.
Made possible by a grant from the John P. McGovern Foundation
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In partnership with the AMA:
Honors individuals who are dedicated to the principles of medical ethics and highest standards of medical practice, and who have made an outstanding contribution through active service in medical ethics activities.
Includes a $2,500 monetary award and plaque.
Special consideration will be given to those physicians working in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Ideal candidates must be active in organized medicine. They may not be current members of the AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs and must be nominated by a peer.
Award recipient selected by the AMA Foundation Board of Directors
Excellence
in Medicine
Awardees
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