Each year, the Maricopa County Medical Society presents the Academic Excellence Award to recognize exceptional physicians who demonstrate outstanding commitment, expertise, and compassion in delivering high-quality education from a medical institution. Recipients of this award exhibit exemplary research skills, leadership qualities, medical knowledge, and dedication to improving the output of medical students and research.
Nominations will be accepted from May 1st through August 1st. Each candidate is carefully assessed to determine the degree to which they fulfills each of the requirements according to the criteria established. Announcements will be made on August 30, 2026.
The criteria for the Academic Excellence Award are as follows:
1. Demonstrated success in mentoring students, residents, and junior faculty, guiding their academic and professional development;
2. Use of creative and effective teaching strategies that enhance student learning;
3. Displays leadership qualities in promoting teamwork, mentorship, and collaboration among healthcare teams to enhance student care and organizational effectiveness;
4. Significant contributions to medical literature through peer-reviewed articles, books, or book chapters;
5. Contribution to advancements in medical education through research findings and publications;
6. Holding significant leadership positions such as program director, department chair, or committee head;
7. Involvement in community-based medical education programs and public health outreach on efforts to educate the public on health-related issues and medical knowledge;
8. Demonstrable influence on the practices and standards of medical education within and beyond their institution.
This award recognizes and demonstrates the valuable contributions that physicians make in education and medicine.
Please provide as much information as possible in support of this nomination. Make sure to include pertinent facts, dates, offices held, etc.