The American College of Cardiology (ACC) Distinguished Awards

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The ACC offers Distinguished Awards to recognize outstanding individuals making contributions to the cardiovascular profession. Awardees are recognized for their accomplishments at the Annual Convocation Ceremony; learn more about the previous winners and how they made an impact in cardiology.

Learn more about the 2025 Awardees!

ACC Awards Criteria

Nominees should exemplify the criteria for the award for which they are being nominated.

Bernadine Healy Leadership in Women's CV Disease Award (FACC)

Has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate leadership in the field of cardiovascular disease in women
Has had and continues to have significant accomplishments in research, teaching, practice and/or service related to cardiovascular disease in women

Distinguished Cardiovascular Team Member Award (*Non-physician ACC member, e.g., Cardiovascular Team OR Associate of the ACC OR non-physician FACC)

Has made and continues to make outstanding contributions to College initiatives and the field of cardiovascular medicine
Encourages and nurtures the ACC's team approach to team based cardiovascular care

Distinguished Fellow Award (FACC; former College presidents are not eligible)

Demonstrates exemplary service to the College
Serves as a role model for others through their ACC service activities

Distinguished Mentor Award (FACC)

Throughout a lengthy career, demonstrates a dedication to mentoring physicians and/or other members of the cardiac care team
Mentors across a spectrum of professional activities
Palpably shapes the careers of current and future leaders in cardiovascular medicine

Distinguished Scientist Award (3 Awards, 1 in each domain; FACC)

Basic Science
- Has made and continues to make major and unique contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of Basic Science
- Has achieved specific research accomplishments
- Has contributed innovations, patents, and scientific impact on the field of cardiovascular disease
Clinical Science
- Has made and continues to make major and unique contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of Clinical Science
- Has achieved specific research accomplishments
- Has contributed innovations and makes a scientific impact on cardiovascular clinical practice and patient outcomes
Translational Science
- Has made and continues to make major and unique contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of Translational Science
- Has achieved specific research accomplishments
- Has contributed innovations and makes a scientific impact of translating basic science to the cardiovascular clinic and bedside practice

Distinguished Service Award (*Physicians, scientists, or laypersons are eligible; former College presidents are not eligible)

Has, and continues to demonstrate excellence and commitment via individual effort
Exhibits evidence of profound contributions to cardiovascular medicine and/or the delivery of health care

Distinguished Teacher Award (FACC)

Has made and continues to make major contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine at the national and/or international level
Offers innovative and outstanding teaching
Embodies compassion and excellence toward those influenced by their teaching (e.g., fellows, peers, the public)

Douglas P. Zipes Distinguished Young Scientist Award

This award recognizes young physician scientists who have made outstanding contributions to the field of cardiovascular disease. Learn more.
The nomination packet, including letters, curriculum vitae and other materials, must be received by Aug. 7, 2023.

Gifted Educator Award (FACC)

Has made and continues to make major contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine at the local and/or regional level
Offers innovative and outstanding teaching
Embodies compassion and excellence toward those influenced by their teaching (e.g., fellows, peers, the public)

Honorary Fellowship Award (*not an ACC member and who would not otherwise have routinely had an opportunity to pursue Fellowship in the College)

Represents a distinguished physician or scientist whose professional performance warrants recognition by the College
Has made and continues to make unique contributions to the field cardiovascular medicine or science
Exhibits leadership and/or service to the College or within the field of cardiovascular medicine
Leaves an impact on peers, learners, or patients

International Service Award (FACC)

This award recognizes service and is not tied to leadership in the international cardiovascular community.
Has made and continues to make unique and outstanding service contributions to cardiovascular medicine and science that have significantly enhanced cardiovascular care throughout the world
Has left a significant impact on peers, learners, patients, and community due to their service

Lifetime Achievement Award (*former College presidents are not eligible)

Demonstrates a lifetime of outstanding achievements in the field of cardiovascular medicine
Embodies lifelong excellence and acted as a role model in service, basic or clinical research, and teaching
Has made and continues to make unique contributions and accomplishments
Leaves an impact on peers, learners and/or patients

Pamela S. Douglas Distinguished Award for Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion (ACC member)

During a lengthy career has been recognized as a champion of an inclusive workforce
Has, and continues to serve as a leader in creating an inclusive environment
Represents a national voice on the importance of engaging diverse perspectives and backgrounds in the cardiovascular field

Master of the American College of Cardiology (MACC)

Nominees for the Master designation will have been Fellows of the College in good standing for more than fifteen years.
Dedicated service to the College over time is the primary and necessary distinguishing characteristic of nominees for the Master designation.
The nominees will have served with distinction and provided leadership on College programs and committees and may have served as trustees or governors.
Excellence in education, clinical practice and scholarship will be important supporting characteristics.

2025-2026 Awards Committee

The Awards Committee receives and reviews nominations and reports its award recipient recommendations to the Board of Trustees for their approval. Members of the Awards Committee may not nominate or provide letters of support for candidates.

The 2025-2026 Awards Committee members:

Richard A. Chazal, MD, MACC, Chair
Darpan Bansal, MD, FACC
Dave L. Dixon, PharmD, FACC
Veronica Franco, MD, FACC
John Gordon Harold, MD, MACC
Aniruddha Singh, MD, FACC
Thad F. Waites, MD, MACC

To receive an email with the 2026 Distinguished Award nomination requirements when they are available, please enter your email here. The nomination period will run from mid-July through mid-September of 2025.

Questions may be emailed to [email protected].

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) Distinguished Awards

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