PA AAP Annual Awards

The call for nominations for the 2023 Pediatrician of the Year and DEI Champion Awards is now open!
Deadline to submit nominations: February 3, 2023 at 5:00 PM ET

2023 Pediatrician of the Year Award

Every year, with your help, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes a pediatric fellow who exemplifies the ideals of the pediatric profession and participates in activities that reflect the mission and values of the Chapter.

Please note the qualifications that the PA AAP is looking for in nominees:

• Advocate for children’s health and/or increase access to health services
• Improve the interactions of pediatricians with other agencies that result in a smoother strive for effective provision of care
• Portray pediatricians or the Chapter in a positive manner
• Highlight AAP and/or Chapter membership activities
• Please list any other qualities or accomplishments you would like the Governance Committee to consider.

Please note: nominees must be active national AAP and/or PA AAP chapter members.

Required documentation:

• Nomination form
• 1-3 letters of support from colleagues, patients, community partners, etc.
• The nominee's Curriculum Vitae

Download the Pediatrician of the Year Award nomination form here.

2023 DEI Champion Award 

 The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Board of Directors is pleased to announce the creation of the PA AAP DEI Champion Award. The DEI Champion Award was established to recognize an individual who champions diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of pediatric health care in the state of Pennsylvania.  In recognition of their efforts, the awardee will receive one free year of membership to the PA AAP Chapter.

 Selection criteria are as follows: 

• Nominees should have made a significant contribution to DEI efforts in pediatric medicine or demonstrate a career-long commitment to advancing child health equity through clinical practice, advocacy, and research.   
• Nominees will have made a significant/impactful/notable contribution to DEI initiatives at the practice, community, organizational, institutional, or state level.  

The following qualifications are preferred:

• Advances child health equity through clinical practice, advocacy or research 
• Demonstrates commitment to reducing inequities and disparities in child health and/or bias in health care delivery 
• View the full list of selection criteria here.

  
Please note: nominees must be active or eligible members of the PA AAP and must live and/or practice in Pennsylvania.  
 
Required documentation:

• Nomination form
• Nomination letter (2 pages maximum)
• Letter of support (2 pages maximum)
• Nominee's bio information or Curriculum Vitae​

The PA AAP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will select the DEI Champion Awardee, and the selection will be affirmed by the PA AAP Board of Directors.

Download the DEI Champion Award nomination form here.

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2022 Pediatrician of the Year
Karen Puopolo, MD, PhD, FAAP

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Each year, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (PA AAP) recognizes a Pennsylvania Pediatric Fellow who exemplifies the ideals of the pediatric profession and participates in the type of activities that are the foundation of the PA AAP. This year, the PA AAP is thrilled to present Dr. Karen Puopolo, MD, PhD, FAAP with the 2022 Pediatrician of the Year award.
 
Dr. Puopolo's career as a neonatologist is marked by high honors, many publications, glowing depictions from colleagues and peers and a resounding dedication to securing the health and well-being of our youngest patients.
 
After completing her training as well as several years of practice in New England, Dr. Puopolo arrived at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, forming bonds with colleagues and patients alike. In her work as a neonatologist, Dr. Puopolo faces complex, high-risk cases; she approaches each case, however stressful, with grace, working with her colleagues to deploy a multi-disciplinary approach. The COVID-19 pandemic was no different; Dr. Puopolo's resolve showed through in her adherence to safety policies and calm and considered approach.
 
Dr. Puopolo is an active AAP member, having formerly served on the Committee on the Fetus and Newborn, Antimicrobial Resistance Workgroup, Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine QI Measures Project and more. Her generosity in time and expertise extends to her work with pediatric trainees, as well.
 
Dr. Puopolo will be presented with the Pediatrician of the Year award at a future data, as opposed to PA AAP's upcoming Pediatric Conference.

Immediate Past Recipient

​Clark McSparren, Jr, MD, FAAP
Award Year: 2021
​The PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics congratulates Dr. Clark McSparren as the 2020 Pediatrician of the Year. This prestigious award is given annually to a Pennsylvania Fellow who exemplifies the ideals of the pediatric profession and participates in the type of activities that are the foundation of the AAP.

Past Recipients

• D. Holmes Morton, MD, FAAP (2020)
  
• Diego Chaves-Gnecco, MD, MPH, FAAP (2019)
• Renee Turchi, MD, MHP, FAAP (2017)
• Daniel Taylor, DO, FAAP, FACOP (2016)
• David Turkewitz, MD, FAAP (2014)
• Mark Widome, MD, MPH, FAAP (2013)
• Robert Cicco, MD, FAAP (2010)
• Eve Kimball, MD, FAAP (2009)
• Narayan Shah, MD (2008)
• Cindy Christian, MD (2007)
• George Fatula Sr., MD (2006)
• James Jones, MD (2005)
• Alan Cohen, MD (2004)
• Cheston Berlin, MD (2003)
• Basil Zitelli, MD (2002)

• Albert Price, MD (2001)
• Albert Gaskins, Jr., MD (2000)
• Jack Paradise, MD (1999)
• Jerold Aronson, MD (1998)
• Ellen Wald, MD (1997)
• Harold Lischner, MD (1996)
• Kenneth Rogers, MD (1995)
• Charles Reilly, MD (1994)
• Lee Bass, MD (1993)
• David Smith, MD (1992)
• Alan Kohrt (1991)
• J. Gartner, MD (1990)
• Pascal Spino, MD (1989)
• Susan Aronson, MD, FAAP (1988)