Our Leadership Award Program
Honoring new and early career physicians for extraordinary actions in their practice or community
Program Overview
The Physicians Foundation’s Leadership Award Program honors the next generation of physician leaders by recognizing new and early career physicians for extraordinary actions in their practice or community. Award recipients will receive a scholarship to elevate their efforts to address drivers of health (DOH) or advance innovative solutions to make their communities or practices a healthier place for patients and physicians.
Nominations will fall into the following two award categories:
Dr. Buz Cooper Award for Addressing Drivers of Health
In alignment with the Foundation’s work to recognize and act on challenges related to DOH, this award honors a physician who has gone above and beyond to connect their patients with the social, economic, educational and environmental resources that they need for their overall health. The award’s namesake is Richard (Buz) Cooper, MD, author of Poverty and the Myths of Health Care Reform.
Medical Innovator Award
Physicians are stewards for high-quality, cost-efficient care. This award recognizes a physician who has innovated and successfully implemented a new solution to strengthen the physician-patient relationship, support their medical practice’s sustainability or navigate the changing health care system.
Required Commitments
As part of receiving the scholarship, award recipients must agree to lend their perspective to the Foundation. Award recipients are required to sign a formal agreement to commit to these requirements.
Activities | Time and Commitment | ||
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Sharing Your Perspective |
This will include a 12-month commitment to participate with social media efforts, including posting relevant content around the awards and the Foundation’s commitment to physicians, and to participate in 1-4 media opportunities (interviews, op-eds, etc.). Monthly efforts will vary but are expected to be 1-5 hours per month. |
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Awards Ceremony |
Recipients are required to attend the Award Ceremony during the April 2024 Annual Meeting of The Physicians Foundation. The cost for travel and lodging will be reimbursed. |
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Media Training |
All winners will take part in a virtual media training. |
Requirements
Awards are open to physicians who are new or mid-career (practicing less than 15 years).
Nominees should demonstrate physician leadership in the relevant award category.
Award applicants should be nominated by a sponsor (mentor, colleague or peer) in coordination with the nominee. Sponsors should provide a short statement of recommendation.
Nominees should submit a video component, a current resume/CV and a statement that briefly describes how the scholarship will allow them to continue making positive, constructive contributions to the medical profession.

2024 Leadership Award Program
Be recognized for your extraordinary efforts in your practice or community.
Use access code award23 to apply.