Several leaders in federal healthcare were recently honored for their contributions to the field.
With more than 400 nominations this year, the AMSUS Award Ceremony underscored the dedication and excellence of healthcare professionals across federal service.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Stephen Hunt, MD, MPH, of the Veterans Health Association (VHA), received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of contributions to veteran healthcare. His pioneering work in environmental health has set new standards, ensuring veterans receive the highest quality of care.
Innovator Award
Jamie Morano, MD, MPH, also of the VHA, was honored for her work in improving care for rural veterans. Her innovative models and best practices have been adopted across other healthcare specialties.
Rising Star Award
Lt. Col. Burke Wilson, PharmD, of the US Air Force, was recognized for his leadership in deploying electronic healthcare solutions within the DoD and Air Force Medical Services and contributing to high-performing pharmacy teams.
Nursing Award
Col. Christopher Stucky (US Army) was celebrated for his leadership in nursing research, and for his significant contributions to the National Association of Operating Room Research Committee.
Andrew Craig Allied Health Professional Award
Major Travis Kaufman, DMSC (US Army), was recognized for providing critical medical guidance and supporting medical evacuation, and resupply operations in Eastern Europe.
Physician Award
Jason Dominitz, MD (VHA), was honored for his leadership in the National Gastroenterology and Hepatology Office, helping the VA surpass national benchmarks in colorectal cancer screening.
Other Awards Included:
- Communications Excellence Award: Mr Shawn Liu (VHA) for his role in veteran homelessness awareness campaigns.
- Management & Administration Award: Ms Lindsay DeRossett (VHA) for her contributions in the expansion of veterans’ healthcare under the PACT Act.
- Dentist Award: Sarah Anderko, DDS (US Navy, VHA), for advancing digital dentistry in military healthcare.
- Research & Development Award: Major Shanna Vaughn (US Air Force).
- Operational Medicine Award: Captain Kevin Anderson, MD (US Air Force).
- Senior Enlisted Lewis L. Seaman Award: Master Sgt. Chris Kuhn (US Air Force).
- Junior Enlisted Lewis L. Seaman Award: Tech Sgt. Laura Wehunt (Defense Health Agency).
- Training & Education Award: Col. Brian Neubauer, MD (US Air Force).
- William Gorgas Preventive Medicine Award: Rear Admiral Paul Jung, MD (USPHS).
Reference
- AMSUS. AMSUS Annual Awards. Published March 4, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://amsus.org/page/AMSUSAnnualAwardsProgram