2026 Medical Education Awards
Purpose
The UNMC College of Medicine proudly recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the education and development of future healthcare professionals. These annual awards honor educators who exemplify innovation, mentorship, leadership and excellence across all phases of medical education.
Award Categories
Educator Innovation Awards
Foundational Science Educator Innovation Award
Eligibility: Faculty teaching in Phase I.
Criteria (meet at least one):
- Developed innovative curriculum, assessments or technology.
- Demonstrated measurable impact on learner outcomes.
- Shared innovations through scholarship or institutional adoption.
Clinical Educator Innovation Award
Eligibility: Faculty teaching in Phases II, III, or GME.
Criteria (meet at least one):
- Created impactful innovations in clinical education.
- Demonstrated improved learner skills or patient-centered practice.
- Disseminated work through publications or presentations.
Emerging Educator Awards
Emerging Foundational Science Educator Award
Eligibility: Instructor or Assistant Professor in Phase I.
Criteria (meet at least one):
- Demonstrates teaching excellence and engagement.
- Participates in curriculum design or assessment.
- Engages in professional development.
- Positive evaluations from learners.
Emerging Clinical Educator Award
Eligibility: Instructor or Assistant Professor in Phases II–III or GME.
Criteria (meet at least one):
- Demonstrates effective clinical teaching.
- Contributes to clinical curricula or evaluation systems.
- Engages in educational scholarship.
- Recognized as a rising leader.
College of Medicine Distinguished Medical Education Awards
Distinguished Foundational Science Educator Award
Eligibility: ≥15 years teaching in Phase I or lab/research.
Criteria (meet at least one):
- Sustained outstanding teaching and mentorship.
- Leadership in curriculum development.
- Educational scholarship or institutional contributions.
- Broad recognition for commitment.
Distinguished Clinical Educator Award
Eligibility: ≥15 years clinical teaching in Phases II–III or GME.
Criteria (meet at least one):
- Excellence in clinical teaching and mentorship.
- Leadership in program development.
- Institutional or national impact.
- Highly regarded by peers and learners.
Mentorship and Coaching Excellence Award
Eligibility: Faculty mentoring across all phases (UME, GME) or research settings.
Criteria (meet at least one):
- Long-term impactful mentorship.
- Guides mentees in career development.
- Demonstrated mentee success.
- Recognized for accessibility and advocacy.
How to Nominate
Who May Nominate:
- Faculty
- Department leaders
- Self-nominations permitted
Nomination Packet Requirements:
- Nomination Statement/Letter of Support. If you are submitting a self-nomination: A letter of support from a colleague, learner, or leader is required.
- Current CV of nominee with areas highlighted as applicable to award criteria.
- Optional supporting materials (narrative, evaluations, letters from learners or colleagues, outcomes, publications or sample of work)
You will have the option as a nominator to upload supporting documents or to send an email prompt to the nominee to complete the submission.
If you are nominating on behalf of another individual and designating them to submit supporting materials, please notify them of the award category for which they are being nominated so they are prepared when they receive an email prompting them to upload materials.
Timeline
- Call Opens: Feb 23
- Deadline: March 20
- Review Period: March 23-April 13
- Notification: The award recipient and Department Chair will be notified of selection by email.
- Recognition Event: May 8, Honors Convocation
Submit UNMC 2026 Medical Education Award Nomination
Questions
Contact Tara Szymanski-Bird with College of Medicine, Office of Faculty Affairs.