ATLANTA — The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Errol R. Alden, M.D., former executive director and CEO of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), with the Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given by the AMA to honor a medical association executive who has contributed substantially to the goals and ideals of the medical profession.

"The AMA gratefully recognizes Dr. Errol Alden for his dedication to enhancing the health of all children and adolescents, and his legacy of leadership at the American Academy of Pediatrics," said AMA Chair Stephen R. Permut, M.D. "The AMA is delighted to honor his accomplishments to the field of pediatrics with this year's Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award."

A member of the AAP since 1973, Dr. Alden joined the staff of the suburban Chicago-based Academy in 1987 where he served in numerous leadership roles including director of the department of education, deputy executive director and executive director, a post he held for 11 years until he stepped down in July. Dr. Alden guided the AAP's focus on improving the health and well-being of children through effective state and federal advocacy, exemplary publications and innovative education and research activities.

As an accomplished medical educator, Dr. Alden helped develop an award-winning education program for teaching neonatal resuscitation. Dr. Alden was responsible for the adoption of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program by the AAP and the national and international distribution of the program.

Dr. Alden has contributed his time and leadership to dozens of organizations within the medical community, including committee work for the AMA, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, and the International Pediatric Association.

A graduate of Ohio State University, Dr Alden completed his internship and residency at Madigan Army Medical Center and a fellowship in neonatology at the University of Washington in Seattle.

The award was presented to Dr. Alden during the opening session of the 2015 AMA Interim Meeting in Atlanta.

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