Awards
Recognizing notable designated institutional officials, program directors, coordinators, and residents and fellows for their outstanding work and contributions to GME
Latest Awards News
The ACGME annually honors individuals, programs, and organizations through its Awards Program, and awardees are celebrated each year at the Annual Educational Conference. The ACGME currently grants the following awards through this program.
The nomination period for the 2026 ACGME Awards is now closed.
Resident/Fellow Awards
David C. Leach Award
This award recognizes residents and fellows who have fostered innovation and improvement in their residency programs, advanced humanism in medicine, and increased efficiency and emphasis on educational outcomes.
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Lewis Blackman Patient Safety Award
This award honors residents and fellows who have actively implemented strategies that lead to measurable improvements in patient safety within their Sponsoring Institution or residency/fellowship program. These individuals demonstrate a commitment to advancing patient safety through innovative solutions and initiatives, resulting in tangible outcomes that enhance the overall quality of care.
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Coordinator Awards
Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award
This award recognizes program coordinators who have an in-depth understanding of the accreditation process, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and projects to improve residency programs. Effective March 2019, the GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award is now the Debra L. Dooley GME Program Coordinator Excellence Award.
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GME Institutional Coordinator Excellence Award
This award recognizes an institutional coordinator that demonstrates in-depth knowledge of graduate medical education and the process for institutional review. This person skillfully manages the multiple roles of administrator, counselor, enforcer, coordinator, organizer, and scheduler.
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Designated Institutional Official (DIO) and Program Director Awards
Parker J. Palmer Courage to Lead Award
This award recognizes designated institutional officials who have demonstrated strong leadership and astute resource management and have encouraged innovation and improvement in residency programs and their Sponsoring Institutions.
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Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award
This award recognizes program directors who have fostered innovation and improvement in their residency programs and served as exemplary role models for residents.
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Joint Award
The ACGME, in partnership with other notable organizations, is proud to honor exceptional work in graduate medical education through joint awards.