The American Medical Association awards program

The AMA is committed to recognizing and honoring physicians, medical students and residents who exemplify medicine's highest values: commitment to service, community involvement, altruism and leadership. 

Distinguished Service Award

Description: This award honors a member of the AMA for meritorious service in the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. The recipient is selected by the AMA Board of Trustees. 

Criteria: Awarded to an individual AMA member who demonstrates significant impact on patient populations, communities, future physicians and/or health care delivery systems, as the result of a particular initiative or sustained impact throughout the nominee’s career.

As example considerations: The nominee’s work may have influenced clinical practices or policy, medical education, curriculum design, or the professional development of physicians; or led to improved patient outcomes, health care accessibility or health care delivery systems.

AMA Medal of Valor

Description: This award is given to an individual member of the AMA, or a group of AMA members, who demonstrated extraordinary patient care in austere and hostile situation(s). The recipient is selected by the AMA Board of Trustees. 

Criteria: Recipient(s) must be an AMA member or members. 

Please include quantitative metrics to demonstrate impact on patient care.

Scientific Achievement Award

Description: This award is presented in recognition of extraordinary contributions to the advancement of medical science to acknowledge the groundbreaking work of individuals whose innovative research or scientific achievement(s) have had a profound impact on medicine. The recipient is selected by the AMA Board of Trustees. 

Criteria: Recipient must be a physician scientist or non-physician scientist with a strong background in a medicine-relevant field. Preference will be given to AMA members. The application should include a discussion of the nominee’s three most impactful contributions to science with a list of applicable publications, positions, scientific appointments and honors.

As example considerations: Has the nominee contributed to significant discoveries in medical science or biotechnology, or did their research lead to new treatments, interventions or understanding of diseases? Has the nominee developed or contributed to clinical trials, medical procedures or interventions that have improved patient outcomes? Has the nominee contributed to the development of medical devices, diagnostic tools or health IT that significantly advances medical practice? If possible, include quantitative metrics that demonstrate the impact of the nominee’s scientific work.

President's Citation for Service to the Public

Description: This award honors an individual or organization for outstanding service in promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. The recipient is nominated by the AMA president with concurrence by the AMA Board of Trustees. 

Criteria: The nominee may have significantly contributed to local, state or national initiatives that promote public health and wellness; played a substantial role in non-profit organizations, charitable work or policy-making that benefits the community; provided services or programs that address the health needs of underserved or vulnerable populations; or made impactful contributions during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. The application should include documentation of the contribution(s).

Medical Executive Meritorious Achievement Award

Description: This award recognizes exemplary service by an executive to the profession of medicine that enhances medical practice, medical education and/or public health. The recipient is selected by the AMA Board of Trustees. 

Criteria: Awarded to an executive of a county medical society, state medical association or specialty medical society who demonstrates extraordinary impact beyond the normal scope of their duties or responsibilities; and has shown one coordinated significant achievement or a sustained impact throughout their career. Nominations should be made by the president or other officers of the association or society.

This award is based on specific or extraordinary contributions that go beyond normal job expectations. Contributions should have a clear and direct impact on improving patient care or supporting physicians in their duties. For example, please describe if the nominee has developed and/or introduced innovative solutions or led initiatives that have directly benefited physicians and patients in new and effective ways; or provided a specific exemplary service that exceeded their role’s expectations and brought unique health benefits to the community.

• Applications for the 2025 awards will be available in May 2025.

The mission of the AMA Foundation is to bring physicians and communities together to improve our nation’s health.

Available AMA Foundation awards and scholarships include:

• Excellence in Medicine Awards
• Joan F. Giambalvo Fund for the Advancement of Women
• Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships (including the Underrepresented in Medicine category)

The AMA Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA) honors physicians who have demonstrated their commitment to patient care through continuing medical education (CME).

Learn more about the AMA Foundation awards.