The American Medical Association solicits annual nominations for the American Medical Association Awards for Outstanding Government Service—considered one of the most prestigious awards honoring elected officials and career government employees. These awards aim to recognize significant accomplishments to advance public health.
2026 nominations
The AMA is accepting nominations for the 2026 awards. Read this resource (PDF) for more details on submission information and fill out this form (PDF) to submit a nomination. Please save completed form and email to the Awards Secretariat at [email protected].
Awards criteria
Nominees who meet the following criteria are considered for the award:
- Contributed greatly to the public health through elected and career government service
- Is an outstanding leader in his/her field
- Has high personal integrity
- Promoted the art and science of medicine in or through government service
- Developed a special project that contributed to the public health of a given community or special population
Awards categories
The AMA presents these awards in seven categories of public service, including local, state and federal government. Each year, the caliber of nominees is a testament to the incredible health care initiatives being advanced throughout our nation.
- U.S. senator
- U.S. representative
- Member of the executive branch serving by presidential/political appointment (federal)
- Member of the executive branch in career public service (federal)
- Governor or elected statewide official
- Member of the state legislature
- Career public servant at the state or local level
If you have any questions regarding the awards or the nomination process, contact the Awards Secretariat at (314) 698-9051.
2025 American Medical Association Awards for Outstanding Government Service recipients
Award category: United States Representative
Neal Dunn, MD (R-FL)
Representative, U.S. House of Representatives
Award category: Member of the executive branch serving by presidential appointment
Major Gen. (ret.) Paul Friedrichs, MD
Adjunct professor of surgery, Uniformed Services University
Award category: Member of a state legislature
Michelle Au, MD, MPH
Representative, Georgia House of Representatives
Award category: Member of a state legislature
Richard M. Briggs, MD
Senator, Tennessee Senate
Award category: Career public servant at the local level
Jennifer Green, PhD, MPH
Public health director, Cumberland County, North Carolina
Past recipients
View a list of past winners (PDF).
