The American Medical Association (AMA) Awards Program Criteria

Find descriptions and criteria for each of AMA’s awards for physicians, medical students and residents. Download the award nomination application.

Description: 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 of the Distinguished Service Award.

Description: 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 nonmedical professional; preference will be given to those other than medical society executives. The board of trustees will select the award recipient.

Description: This medal awards courage under extraordinary circumstances in nonwartime situations. Criteria: Recipients must be an AMA member or members. This recipient is selected by the board of trustees.

Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Description: 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.

Description: 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: Nominees’ 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.

Description: 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.