Most professionals who enter the field of public health are devoted to making positive changes. They are educators, researchers and innovative thinkers. There are several awards given to the most impressive candidates each year. The majority of prestigious awards come from the American Public Health Association. These are some of the top awards.
1. Sedgwick Award Medal
According to the American Public Health Association, the Sedgwick Award Medal is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards. It is awarded each year to a public health worker who demonstrates an impressive service record for public health while working hard to advance valuable knowledge and practices. The award was established to honor Professor William Thompson Sedgwick. Prof. Sedgwick was president of the APHA in 1915. From 1883 through 1921, he was also the head of MIT’s Department of Biological and Public Health.
2. APHA Award For Excellence
This annual award is given to one public health worker for an exceptional contribution in improving public health. The award focuses on the creativity and effectiveness of an idea or achievement. To be nominated for the award, an individual must have already made significant contributions to the betterment of public health. However, nominees must also be at a point in a career where they still can and plan to make further contributions. This award was established in 1978 with the help of philanthropic donations, which were meant for improving public health by recognizing outstanding achievements and innovative efforts.
3. David P. Rall Award
This award is bestowed upon a public health professional who makes a considerable contribution through science-based advocacy. Individuals who are at the mid-career point are given top consideration. Individuals who show advancements through policy change are also given top consideration, and professionals across the globe are eligible. Professionals from non-profit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies are often nominated. The award was established to honor David P. Rall for his contributions in policy changes of environmental health and his science-based advocacy advancements.
4. APHA Distinguished Career Award
For professionals who have been in the public health field for many years, this is a coveted award. The award is available to professionals who have worked in the field for at least 10 years after receiving a degree in public health. Nominees are professionals who have made outstanding contributions to health education, health communications or health promotion. This award is given to members of the Public Health Education and Health Promotion section.
5. APHA Early Career Award
Not all prestigious awards are restricted to mid-career or late-career professionals. This award is one of the most distinguished honors for younger professionals who are just starting their innovation efforts. To qualify, nominees must have worked in the field for fewer than 10 years after earning a degree. The award is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the area of health communications, health promotion and health education. It is available to members of the Public Health Education and Health Promotion section.
There are several awards from the APHA and other entities given out each year. Students who are enrolled in degree programs to help them become public health professionals can start developing ideas for innovative changes in hopes of earning a prestigious award someday. The first step toward this goal is enrolling in the right degree program.
See also: What is the Employment Outlook for the Public Health Field?
