By: Sara C. Hussey, MBA, CAE – ACMS Executive Director
After a brief hiatus, the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) Distinguished Awards are back for 2024, celebrating outstanding contributions to healthcare. Nominations for the awards were open from June 1 to August 1, and the winners have been chosen! These remarkable individuals and organizations will be honored at the ACMS Annual Meeting and Distinguished Awards Program on November 13, 2024, at the PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium. Registration is now open, and we invite ACMS members to join us for an evening of celebration.
Alongside recognizing our award winners and nominees, the event will also acknowledge the outgoing ACMS Board Members and Delegates, while welcoming the new 2025 Board Members.
Meet the Awards Committee The 2024 Awards Committee—Dr. Mark Goodman, Dr. Micah Jacobs, and Dr. Michael Aziz—simplified the categories this year, focusing on five key awards. These are divided into Community and Physician Awards, each highlighting exceptional achievements in healthcare and service.
Community Awards – The Benjamin Rush Awards These awards recognize non-physician contributions to healthcare.
- Benjamin Rush Individual Award: This honor goes to a non-physician who has made a significant impact on healthcare and community welfare.
- WINNER: Robert W. Mendicino, DPM, FACFAS – Foot and Ankle Surgeon, St. Clair Medical Group Orthopedic Surgery
- Benjamin Rush Community Organization Award: Given to an organization effectively addressing community health issues.
- WINNER: Familylinks – Stacey Vaccaro, PhD, FACHE, President and Chief Operating Officer
Physician Awards The following awards celebrate excellence in clinical practice, leadership, and humanity.
- Nathaniel Bedford Primary Care Award: For a primary care physician dedicated to the well-being of their patients.
- WINNER: Jodie Bryk, MD – Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Medical Director, UPMC Enhanced Care Program
- Ralph C. Wilde Leadership Award: Recognizes exceptional leadership in clinical care and education.
- WINNER: Darrell Triulzi, MD – Professor of Pathology and Director, Division of Transfusion Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Medical Director, Vitalant Clinical Services
- Richard E. Deitrick Humanity in Medicine Award: Honors compassionate physicians who exemplify integrity, respect, and care for patients. This year, two winners were selected:
- WINNER: Thuy Bui, MD – Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Social Medicine Fellows Program
- WINNER: Julie Childers, MD, FAAHPM, FASAM – Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
New for 2024: ACMS Spirit of Service Award This newly introduced award recognizes a physician leader who demonstrates outstanding volunteerism within ACMS. The recipient exemplifies compassion, generosity, and a commitment to the organization’s mission.
- WINNER: Bruce A. MacLeod, MD – Emergency Medicine, AHN Brentwood Neighborhood Hospital
Join us in honoring these exceptional individuals and celebrating the best of healthcare at the ACMS Distinguished Awards Program on November 13, 2024!
Interested in sponsoring this event? Reach out to Nadine Popovich at [email protected] for more information.