2026 ACEP Awards Recognize Emergency Physician Leaders

At ACEP26, ACEP will recognize outstanding leaders in emergency medicine. The annual leadership awards honor exceptional contributions in EM policy, advocacy, research, education, and other categories.

Leadership & Excellence Awards

• John G. Wiegenstein Leadership Award – This is ACEP’s highest award. It is presented for outstanding contributions to the organization and is named after the late John G. Wiegenstein, MD, a founding member and first president of ACEP. – Alexander M. Rosenau, DO, CPE, FACEP
• James D. Mills Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Medicine Award – This award is for significant contributions to emergency medicine. The award is named after the late James D. Mills Jr., MD, the second president of ACEP. – Michael D. Brown, MD, MSc, FACEP
• John A. Rupke Legacy Award – This award is for outstanding lifetime contributions to ACEP. In recognition of longevity and unwavering dedication to ACEP, the Legacy Award is given in honor of John A. Rupke, MD, one of the initial founding members of ACEP. – Marsha D. Ford, MD, FACEP
• Pamela P. Bensen Trailblazer Award – This award is presented to a current ACEP member for groundbreaking contributions to the growth of ACEP and emergency medicine. The award is named after Pamela P. Bensen, MD, a charter member of ACEP and the first woman resident in emergency medicine. – Ralph J. Riviello, MD, MS, FACEP
• Honorary Membership Award – Eileen M. Bulger, MD, FACS and Greg Hufstetler
• Judith E. Tintinalli Award for Outstanding Contribution in Education – Christina L. Shenvi, MD, PhD, MBA, FACEP
• Outstanding Contribution in Research Award – Phillip D. Levy, MD, MPH, FACEP and David A. Talan, MD, FACEP
• Outstanding Contribution in EMS Award – Brian M. Clemency DO, MBA, FACEP, FAEMS
• Colin C. Rorrie, Jr. Award for Excellence in Health Policy – Todd Parker, MD, FACEP
• Policy Pioneer Award – No recipient for 2026.
• Diane K. Bollman Chapter Advocate Award – Holly Dorr, MBA, CAE
• Community Emergency Medicine Excellence Award – Betzaida Gonzales Valentin, MD, FACEP
• Disaster Medical Sciences Award – Paul D. Biddinger, MD, FACEP
• Emergency Medicine Wellness Center of Excellence Award – Mount Sinai Department of Emergency Medicine
• Innovation & Excellence in Behavioral Health & Addiction Medicine Award – Kathryn Hawk, MD, MHS, FACEP
• Innovative Change in Practice Management Award – Michael Yashar, MD, FACEP
• Leon L. Haley, Jr., Award for Excellence in Access, Belonging, & Community – Maureen A. Bell, MD, FACEP
• Lou Graff Award for Excellence in Observation Medicine – Margarita Pena, MD, FACEP
• Public Health Trailblazer Award – Pryanka Relan, MD, MPH

Council Awards