Through AMWA’s prestigious awards and recognition programs, AMWA celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of remarkable American women in medicine. Awards are presented at the AMWA annual meeting. In 2013, the 98th Anniversary Meeting will be held in New York on March 15-17, 2013.

The nomination deadline is December 15, 2012.

Click here to view more detail of the various awards and to download a nomination form.

Criteria and Descriptions of AMWA Awards

Elizabeth Blackwell Award

This award, initiated in 1949 by Elise S. L'Esperance, M.D., 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

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

AMWA honors the memory of Anne C. Carter, MD with an annual award for outstanding student leadership.

• National AMWA medical student member
• Demonstrated 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
• 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.

AMWA Exceptional Mentor Award

Established in September 2011, AMWA members may recognize a mentor who has helped develop a career, supported an interest, helped to develop or meet goals. This mentor may have been a colleague, advisor, friend, or boss and the relationship may have been formal or informal. Mentors will be recognized at the AMWA Annual Meeting. Any AMWA member may nominate a mentor. The nominee need not be an AMWA member.