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. 

1. Distinguished Service Award

   1. This award honors a member of the AMA for meritorious service in the science and art of medicine. It includes a medal and citation and is awarded by the board of trustees. Criteria: The board of trustees will select the recipient.

2. Citation for Distinguished Service

   1. This award honors contributions to the advancement of medical science, medical education or medical care. It includes a certificate of citation. Criteria: This award honors a non-medical professional; preference will be given to those other than medical society executives. The board of trustees will select the award recipient.

3. AMA Medal of Valor

   1. This medal awards courage under extraordinary circumstances in non-wartime situations. Criteria: Recipient must be an AMA member. This recipient is selected by the board of trustees.

4. Scientific Achievement Award

   1. This gold medallion award is presented to individuals on special occasions in recognition of outstanding work in scientific achievement. Criteria: Recipients must be physician or non-physician scientist. Physician candidates must be members.

5. American Medical Association Award for Citizenship and Community Service

   1. This award honors practicing physicians who have made an outstanding contribution to the community for citizenship and public service. Criteria: Recipients must be a U.S. citizen and possess an MD degree or equivalent.

6. President's Citation for Service to the Public

   1. This award recognizes significant contributions to the public good made by fostering involvement of physicians in community activities. Criteria: This award may be given to a state medical association, county medical society or national specialty society. The board of trustees will select the award recipient.

7. AMA Foundation Award for Health Education

   1. This award recognizes the professional or public health education activities of practicing physicians. It includes a $3,500 stipend and certificate. Criteria: Special consideration will be given to those physicians working in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The award is supported by a grant from the John P. McGovern Foundation and the AMA Foundation Board of Directors selects the recipient.

8. American Medical Association Foundation Award for Leadership in Medical Ethics and Professionalism

   1. This award 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. It includes a $2,500 monetary award and plaque. Criteria: 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. The AMA Foundation Board of Directors selects the award recipient.

9. Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award

   1. This award honors a medical executive of a county medical society, state medical association or national medical specialty society who has contributed substantially to the goals and ideas of the medical profession. The award includes a plaque. Criteria: Nominee's contributions should be sustained over a significant term of service. Nominations should be made by the president or other officers of the association or society. The board of trustees selects the award recipients.

10. Medical Executive Meritorious Achievement Award

    1. This award recognizes a medical executive of a county medical society, state medical association or national medical specialty society who has provided exemplary service that benefits physicians in caring for their patients. This award includes a plaque. Criteria: Nominee’s service should benefit physicians and patients and represent a contribution beyond the normal scope of their duties or responsibilities. Nominations should be made by the president or other officers of the association or society. The board of trustees selects the award recipients.

• The deadline was Feb. 23, 2024 to submit nominations for the 2024 awards. Applications for the 2025 awards will be available in early 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.