AMSA LGBTQ+ Health Achievement Award
Award Overview
Created in 1999, the AMSA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Health Achievement Award has showcased efforts in the advancement and inclusion of LGBTQ+ health issues throughout the health profession and patient care. AMSA members can nominate multiple schools, groups, individuals, or other entities that have successfully advocated for acknowledgement or equality relating to LGBTQ+ health issues. Previous award winners have been commended for their impact on health education, patient care, or improving the environment for LGBTQ+ students.
The overarching goal of this award is provide national recognition to those contributing to the advancement of LGBTQ+ community as well as showcase their models of success at their institution. It is our hope that these advancements inspire and promote equal opportunities for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Eligibility Requirements
Any school, group or individual who has achieved exemplary success in advocating for the inclusion and advancement of LGBTQ+ issues.
Nomination & Selection Process
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- Nomination Process: Nominations will be accepted through October 16, 2026. Individuals may submit nominations for eligible candidates using the designated award nomination form.
- Selection Process: Eligible nominations will be reviewed by an AMSA Awards Selection Committee between October 19 and October 30, 2026. Winners will be selected by the committee by November 02, 2026, with award recipients recognized by AMSA following completion of the selection process.
Questions? Contact us at amsa@amsa.org.
Past Award Recipients
2025: Sonya Bhatia, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medical
2024: Nikitha Balaji, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
2023: Oak Sonfist, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
2022: Diversity and Rural Advocacy Group, Oklahoma State University
2021: Teddy G. Goetz, MD, MS, Columbia University College of Medicine
2020: Michael Solotke, Yale School of Medicine
2019: Masina Wright, University of New England College of Medicine
2018: Shana Zucker, Tulane University School of Medicine
2017: Nix Sitkin, Yale School of Medicine
2016: Southern California LGBT Health Conference
2015: The Equality Clinic of Augusta
2014: Sean Tai, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Virginia Campus
2013: Kristen Eckstrand from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
2012: Bobby Kelly, MEd, Drexel University College of Medicine Class of 2012
2011: Neir Eshel and Michael Honigberg and the entire Harvard Medical School Kinsey Two Sixers LGBTQ and Ally Group
2010: University of Kentucky Health Occupation Professionals for Equality (UK HOPE)/University of Kentucky AMSA Chapter
2009: Brown University Medicine School
2008: Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
2007: Jessica Wang and UMASS Faculty Advisor Emily Ferrara, University of Massachusetts Medical School
2006: Association of Gay, Lesbian, and Ally Medical Students and AMSA Chapter at the UMDNJ, RWJ
2005: Univ of Michigan Medical School, Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians and Allies in Medicine
2004: Medical College of Georgia Lambda Alliance
2003: Univ of Southern California SOM, MedGLO news
2002: Albany Medical College, LGBTPM
2001: University of Pennsylvania SOM, SOMA & LGBPM
2000: New York University SOM, Peter Chien, Jr.
1999: University of Washington SOM
