Awards Descriptions
Elizabeth Blackwell Award:
This award is granted annually to a woman physician (member or non-member) who has made the most outstanding contribution to the cause of women in the field of medicine.
- Woman physician either working or having worked in the U.S
- Influenced the ever-expanding role of women in medicine
- Demonstrated commitment, originality, innovation, or creativity in her field of medicine
- Made pathways for other women in medicine
- Made exceptional contribution to the image of women in medicine
- Overcame adversity in medicine
- Achieved recognition as a leader in women’s health in the area of public policy, health care delivery, research, medical education, patient care, application of basic sciences to health care
Woman in Science Award:
The Woman in Science Award is presented to a woman physician who has made exceptional contributions to medical science, especially in women's health, through her basic and/or clinical research, publications, and leadership in her field.
- Evidence of top-quality scientific research
- Extensive publication record
- High national leadership profile
- Chair of national committees
- Presidency of national scientific organizations
- National lecturer/presenter
- History of advocacy on women’s health issues
Early Career Physician Award:
The award recognizes outstanding achievement by an AMWA physician member who is within 16 years of graduating medical school and who is not an AMWA Medical Student Member or Resident/Fellow Member. Nominees must meet these qualifications as of June 30th of each year considered. Areas of achievement may include leadership; academics; clinical care, including but not limited to publishing, teaching, and mentoring; and/or volunteerism. Nominating and supporting letters should address: a) the nominee’s significant contributions to the areas of medicine and/or academics, including publishing, teaching, mentoring and/or volunteerism and b) whether the nominee’s achievements merit local, state, national, or international recognition.
Bertha Van Hoosen Award:
This annual award honors a woman physician who has been an active member of the association for at least five years and who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to AMWA.
Camille Mermod Award:
Initiated in 1969 by Josephine E. Renshaw, M.D., this award is given to a non-physician who has rendered exceptional service to the association. It need not be awarded every year, but only when it is justly deserved. On rare occasions, the award is presented to a physician whose exceptional service to the Association is unrelated to her capacity as a physician.
Lila A. Wallis Women's Health Award:
This annual award is given to that individual (woman or man - physician or non-physician) whose lifetime achievements, accomplishments, motivations, mentorship, energy and enthusiasm for women's healthcare, education, and research reflect the trailblazing achievements and influence in women's health exemplified by Lila A. Wallis, MD, MACP.
Anne C. Carter Student Leadership Award (Begun In 2004): Awardee must
- Be a national AMWA medical student member
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills through vision, inspiration, innovation, and coordination of local projects that further the mission of AMWA by improving women's health and/or supporting women in medicine
- Must be nominated by an AMWA student chapter
- Internal Note: Students have requested that the National Student President and Incoming President be removed from consideration for this award (March 2012)
Both the individual award recipient and the nominating chapter receive funds (to be used at the chapter's discretion). Awardees will be honored during AMWA's Annual Meeting. The individual award recipient, as well as members of the student chapter, is strongly encouraged to attend the meeting. The chapter stipend may be used to assist in the cost of attendance.
Esther Pohl Lovejoy Award:
In 1968, the American Women’s Hospitals Service created the Esther Pohl Lovejoy Award. This recognition was conceived to honor the name of Dr. Lovejoy and create a tribute in her name because the Directors of the American Women’s Hospitals Service felt that Esther Pohl Lovejoy was the outstanding example of great international humanitarian involvement of women physicians. It was decided that the Esther Pohl Lovejoy Award should be given to a woman physician who had demonstrated her interest and dedication to the promotion of international relations through improvement in international health. More than one nominee may receive the award.
Dr. Larry Zaroff Man of Good Conscience Award:
This award is presented annually to a a man who has been a champion and supporter of women in medicine. Dr. Larry Zaroff was a mentor to generations of physicians, medical students, and pre-medical students. A retired cardiac surgeon and later humanities professor at Stanford, he was an avid supporter of women in medicine at all stages of their career. His well-known courses always presented a special session devoted to the issues and challenges faced by women in medicine. Dr. Eliza Lo Chin, a longtime colleague and guest speaker at these sessions, established this award to honor Dr. Zaroff’s commitment to the advancement of women in medicine. More than one nominee may receive the award.