Awards

Family-Centered Care Innovation Award

The Family-Centered Care Innovation Award is presented to a unit or program that demonstrates novel, effective methods of providing care to critically ill and injured patients and their families. The awardee team receives one complimentary Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Critical Care Congress registration. Up to two other teams receive honorable mentions.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating body:
Voting members of SCCM who are a member of the team are eligible to nominate a unit or program.

Eligibility:   

1. Patient- and family-centered care initiatives that have been in place for at least one year.
2. At least one member of the applying team must be a current member of SCCM.

Patient and Family Support Committee members can apply only if they step down from evaluating applications in the years they apply.

Criteria:

The Patient and Family Support Committee will consider the following criteria when evaluating applications:

1. Implementation of a project(s) linked to direct patient care
2. Demonstration of innovation that provides models for emulation
3. Evidence of multiprofessional efforts to improve care that includes families in the ICU
4. Provision of comprehensive services
5. Fostering of support for families of critically ill and injured patients in ways that are meaningful to families
6. Inclusion of families in efforts to provide care to critically ill and injured patients during their ICU stay, including end-of-life care
7. Provision of data for evaluation of effectiveness

Submission Requirements:
The following guidelines must be used when submitting your application:

1. Limit your team’s application to three (3) typed pages.
2. On page 1 (the cover page), include your team’s institution/affiliation, unit or program name, and address. List all of your team members’ names, credentials, and roles. Note which team member you would like SCCM to contact about the award and at what address, phone, fax, and email (your team contact).
3. On pages 2 and 3, describe the critical care setting of your team and how it supports patients and their families. The Society will remove direct references from these pages, such as names, to ensure impartial evaluation.
4. By submitting an application, your team agrees to allow SCCM to use information from its application to publicly promote patient- and family-centered care and the award.
5. The awarded team must wait at least three (3) years after receiving the award to reapply. The team can reapply only if their application demonstrates new initiatives, not continuations of previous applications. This three-year wait period allows for implementation and evaluation of the new initiatives.

Recognition:

1. The awarded team receives a plaque and one free registration to SCCM’s Critical Care Congress.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation. It is expected that at least one team representative will attend to receive the award in person.

Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1. The Patient and Family Support Committee will provide all nonrecipients positive feedback and encourages them to reapply.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Susan Lacey.

ICU Heroes Award

The ICU Heroes Award recognizes that patients and families are an integral part of intensive care unit (ICU) care. The award is given to an ICU patient and family and to the multiprofessional team that delivered the care. Two awards are given: one for an adult ICU and one for a pediatric ICU.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating Body:
Voting members of SCCM are eligible to nominate patients and families and the team for the award.

Eligibility:
The team member must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.

Submission Requirements:
Applicants are asked to submit a patient’s story (no more than 3 pages) with a focus on attention to patient- and family-centered aspects of care.

Criteria and Selection:
The following criteria will be considered when evaluating applications:

1. Clinical details
2. Principal diagnosis
3. ICU course
4. Hospital course
5. Outpatient course
6. Final outcome
7. How does this patient’s course demonstrate multiprofessional care?

Recognition:

1. Two awards will be presented: one for a pediatric ICU and one for an adult ICU for participation in the care and recovery of the patient.
2. Each institution and patient’s family will receive a plaque.
3. Complimentary SCCM Critical Care Congress registration and funding for travel will be provided to award recipients.
4. The award will be presented during the SCCM Opening Session.
5. The award recipients will share their stories with the SCCM membership.

Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

Questions related to this award may be directed to Susan Lacey.

Dr. Joseph and Rae Brown Award

The Drs. Joseph and Rae Brown Award recognizes a Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) member who has significantly advanced multiprofessional quality care for critically ill and injured patients at the regional or local level. The award was established to honor the Browns for their work in organizing and sustaining the Pennsylvania Society of Critical Care Medicine, which later became the Pennsylvania Chapter of SCCM. The awardee receives $1,000.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility:

1. The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.

Criteria:

1. Must have made extraordinary contributions of time, energy, and resources to chapter matters during the previous year.
2. Must demonstrate dedication, commitment, and outstanding contributions to the field of critical care at a regional or local level during the past year.
3. Must demonstrate exceptional leadership contributions that have furthered the vision and mission of chapters over a period of time.
4. Must demonstrate innovation or meritorious contributions that improve the care provided to critically ill patients and their families in the recipient’s country, state, or region.
5. Must be an outstanding clinician/teacher and role model of excellence in both the teaching and clinical practice of critical care in the local or regional area.

Submission requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM voting member that includes a summary of the nominee’s accomplishments in critical care at the local or regional level.

Description:

1. The awardee receives a plaque and $1,000.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Drs. Vidyasagar and Nagamani Dharmapuri Award for Excellence in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

The Drs. Vidyasagar and Nagamani Dharmapuri Award for Excellence in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, sponsored by Drs. Vidyasagar and Nagamani Dharmapuri, is conferred annually to recognize an individual for sustained exemplary and pioneering achievement in the care of critically ill and injured infants and children.

The awardee receives $500 and complimentary Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Critical Care Congress registration. The award is presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation during the SCCM Critical Care Congress.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating body: 

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility:

1. The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
2. The nominee must be a member of the Pediatrics Section.

Criteria:

The nominee must have distinguished themselves by achieving national and international professional prominence by virtue of personal character, leadership, eminence in clinical practice, and outstanding contributions to research, education, program development, and advocacy for pediatric critical care medicine.

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM voting member summarizing the nominee’s accomplishments in critical care.

Criteria:

The SCCM Pediatrics Section Nominating Committee selects the nominee who will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Personal attributes that distinguish the recipient as a pediatric critical care medicine pioneer and exemplar
2. Leadership in pediatric critical care medicine, as evidenced by current and past academic and organizational accomplishments
3. Contributions that specifically further the mission, vision, and values of SCCM, specifically pertaining to the care of critically ill and injured infants and children
4. Scientific publications, specifically related to the care of critically ill and injured infants and children
5. Research grants and projects that have advanced the care of critically ill and injured infants and children
6. Teaching accomplishments, especially those that have impacted the training of healthcare professionals in pediatric critical care medicine
7. Contributions to pediatric critical care medicine through other medical societies and organizations
8. Contributions to the community and volunteerism, specifically related to pediatric medical and/or educational programs
9. Awards and honors

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a plaque and $500.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation. 

Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Innovation in Education Award

The Innovation in Education Award recognizes an educator or team of educators who demonstrate(s) excellence and creativity in the development of an innovative educational program. The award was established to recognize meritorious educational program development that enhances education (particularly multiprofessional education) relating to management of the critically ill patient.

The educational program can be focused on any specific type of learner; however, programs that involve multiprofessional education are viewed favorably. Programs or approaches that can readily be used in other institutions are also viewed favorably. The individual or one member of the winning team will receive a plaque and one free registration to SCCM’s Critical Care Congress.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility:

1. The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
2. At least one member of the applying team must be a current member of SCCM.

Members of the selection committee are ineligible to apply during their terms of service.

Criteria:

The award was established to recognize meritorious, educational program development that will enhance education (particularly multiprofessional education) relating to management of critically ill patients.

Council Liaisons for the Fundamentals, Review and Assessment, and Knowledge and Skills business lines will consider the following criteria when evaluating applications. Their recommendation will be submitted to the Executive Committee for final approval.

1. Development of an educational program related to management of critically ill patients
2. Demonstration that the program is novel and innovative
3. Demonstration of the effectiveness of the program based on evaluations by participants or other data
4. The educational program can be focused on any specific type of learner; programs that involve multiprofessional education will be viewed favorably.
5. Programs or approaches that can readily be utilized in other institutions will be viewed favorably.

Submission Requirements:

The following guidelines must be used when submitting your application:

1. The educator or team of educators must submit an application detailing the development of the educational program and how it enhances education relating to management of critically ill patients
2. Limit the application to three typed pages.
3. On page 1 (the cover page), include the applicant’s institution/affiliation or program name and address. List all team members’ names, credentials, and roles. Note principal contact’s name, address, phone, fax, and email.
4. On pages 2 and 3, describe the educational program, target audience, learning objectives, a summary of program evaluations, and a description of what is novel or innovative about this program. The Society will remove direct references from these pages, such as names, to ensure impartial evaluation.
5. By submitting an application, the team agrees to allow SCCM to use information from its application to publicly promote innovations in education and the award.
6. The awarded team must wait at least three years after receiving the award to reapply. The team can reapply only if their application demonstrates a new program, not continuations of previous applications. This three-year wait period allows for administration and evaluation of the new program.

Recognition:

1. The individual or one member of the winning team will receive a plaque and one free registration to SCCM’s Critical Care Congress.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Award Presentation. It is expected that at least one team representative will attend to receive the award in person.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Safar Global Partner

The Safar Global Partner Award, sponsored by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), is awarded annually to an individual, hospital, or organization that expands the global reach of SCCM. The awardee receives a plaque or crystal award.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility:

Must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.

Criteria:

1. Individuals and/or institutions that have distinguished themselves by material contributions to SCCM’s achievement of its international priorities.
2. Must objectively document the contribution and direct link to the measurable achievement of SCCM’s international priorities.
3. May be from anywhere around the globe, including the United States.

Examples include:

• Increased distribution of Fundamentals programs in Latin America, Asia (with a focus on China), the Middle East and North Africa
• Expanded distribution of Fundamentals products  in Latin America, Asia (with a focus on China), the Middle East and North Africa

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit a recent CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM voting member outlining the achievements of SCCM’s international priorities.
3. Submit one (1) letter of support.

Selection:

The three most recent past presidents of SCCM evaluate and vote on the nominees. Their recommendation will be forwarded to Council for final approval. Candidates are evaluated based on the above criteria. Recipients are ineligible to receive the award more than once in five years. Recipients will be limited to no more than three per year.

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a crystal award.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Norma J. Shoemaker Award for Critical Care Nursing Excellence

The Norma J. Shoemaker Award for Critical Care Nursing Excellence honors Norma J. Shoemaker, RN, MN, FCCM, the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) first executive director. Norma Shoemaker’s career as a critical care nurse and SCCM executive director spanned the decades during which critical care evolved into a recognized specialty. As SCCM’s founding executive director, she played an instrumental role in nurturing SCCM, which evolved from humble beginnings to a professionally respected, international, multiprofessional organization. To encourage excellence in critical care nursing, and in recognition of Norma Shoemaker’s dedication to SCCM and critical care, the Norma J. Shoemaker Award for Critical Care Nursing Excellence was established in 1992.

The award recognizes an SCCM nurse member who demonstrates excellence in critical care clinical practice, education, and/or administration. The awardee receives $1,000 and complimentary registration to the SCCM Critical Care Congress and reimbursement of airfare and hotel expenses in an amount not to exceed $1,500.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility:

1. Must be a voting member of SCCM.
2. Must be an active SCCM nurse member for a minimum of three years.
3. Must be an SCCM Nursing Section member.
4. Must have documented attendance at a minimum of one SCCM Critical Care Congress during the previous three years.

Criteria:

The nominee must have distinguished themselves by achieving excellence in critical care, clinical practice, education, and/or administration and must have demonstrated a commitment to SCCM through involvement in SCCM committees or activities at the local, chapter, or national level.

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM voting member summarizing the nominee’s accomplishments at the local or regional level.
3. Submit a letter of support.

Selection:

The SCCM Nursing Section Executive Committee will select the nominee, who must meet the above criteria.

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a plaque and $1,000.
2. The awardee receives complimentary Congress registration
3. The awardee receives reimbursement of travel expenses to the SCCM Critical Care Congress in an amount not to exceed $1,500.
4. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Shubin-Weil Master Clinician/Teacher: Excellence in Bedside Teaching Award

The Shubin-Weil Master Clinician/Teacher: Excellence in Bedside Teaching Award recognizes a Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) member who is a role model in both the teaching and ethical practice of critical care. Nominees must have substantially furthered the expert and appropriate use of life support interventions. The awardee receives $500 and a medallion.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Past presidents and Council are ineligible to nominate for this award during their tenure.

Eligibility:

1. Must be a voting member of SCCM.
2. Must not be nationally or internationally well-known or recognized by their research efforts.
3. Must be a member of at least one SCCM section.

Past presidents and Council are ineligible to be nominated for this award during their tenure.

Criteria:

1. Must have a combination of attributes that make the nominee a role model of excellence in both the teaching and ethical practice of critical care.
2. Must have direct patient responsibilities.
3. Must be recognized as an outstanding clinician/teacher.
4. Must not be nationally or internationally well-known or recognized by their research efforts.
5. Innovative and substantive contributions to critical care clinical/basic research may be cited as additional considerations but are not major criteria for selection.

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM voting member summarizing the nominee’s accomplishments at the local or regional level.
3. Submit two (2) letters of support from nominee’s trainees.

Past presidents and Council are ineligible to write nomination letters during their tenure.

Selection:

A subcommittee of at least five (5) past presidents vote for the recipient

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a plaque and $500.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Barry Shapiro Memorial Award for Excellence in Critical Care Management

The Barry A. Shapiro Memorial Award for Excellence in Critical Care Management recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the design and/or implementation of evidence-based practice that has significantly impacted clinical, operational, or fiscal outcomes within the awardee’s area of responsibility. The awardee receives $500 and a plaque.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to nominate during their tenure.

Eligibility:

The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.

Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to be nominated during their tenure.

Criteria:

1. The nominee must be currently engaged in a clinical environment as evidenced by leadership roles they currently hold related to the clinical practice of critical care.
2. The nominee must show a history of employment in a clinical environment as evidenced by leadership roles they have held.

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM voting member.
3. Submit one (1) letter of support from an individual who is involved in the activity(ies) noted above, emphasizing how the nominee has demonstrated leadership in support of the award criteria.

Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.

Selection:

The selection committee considers the following criteria:

1. Has the nominee met all of the eligibility criteria noted above?
2. Has the nominee made a significant contribution(s) to the design and/or implementation of evidence-based practice?
3. Has the nominee significantly impacted clinical, operational, or fiscal outcomes?
4. Has the nominee demonstrated the use of the multiprofessional team in achieving the stated outcomes?
5. Has the nominee demonstrated the “Learn It, Deliver It, Measure It, and Improve It” quality improvement paradigm in regular use at the nominee’s institution?
6. Is the nominee a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine (FCCM) in good standing?
7. Does the intensive care unit (ICU) meet the Leapfrog Group’s ICU Physician Staffing (IPS) standard?

Hospitals fulfilling the IPS standard operate adult or pediatric general medical and/or surgical ICUs and neurologic ICUs that are managed or comanaged by intensivists who:

• Are present during daytime hours and provide clinical care exclusively in the ICU
• When not present on site or via telemedicine, return pages at least 95% of the time:     
  • within five minutes and
  • arrange for a physician or physician extender certified in Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) to reach ICU patients within five minutes

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a plaque and $500.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

ACCM Distinguished Investigator Award

Sponsored by the American College of Critical Care Medicine

This award encourages excellence in clinical research and recognizes an established and active Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) clinical investigator for meritorious and pioneering clinical research in critical care that has significantly contributed to the treatment and/or understanding of patients.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to nominate during their tenure.

Eligibility:

1. The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
2. The nominee must be a fellow of the ACCM (FCCM) in good standing.

Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM Committee members are ineligible to be nominated during their tenure.

Criteria:

1. Must have completed training.
2. Must demonstrate substantial contributions to critical care research by publishing in peer-reviewed medical journals, presenting research data at scientific meetings, and/or lecturing on research findings.
3. Must demonstrate honors and awards.

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM voting member.
3. Submit two (2) letters of support. One must be from an FCCM member in good standing.

Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a crystal, SCCM Critical Care Congress registration, and reimbursement for airfare and hotel expenses in an amount not to exceed $1,500.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Distinguished Service Award

This award recognizes an active Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) member for exceptional leadership contributions over a sustained period of time that furthered the vision and mission of SCCM.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility:

1. The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
2. The immediate past president and past chancellor are automatic awardees because of their level of commitment and duration of service to SCCM.

Other Council members and Regents are ineligible for this award during their tenure.

Criteria:

1. Must demonstrate measurable contributions.
2. Must have provided exceptional leadership contributions over a sustained period of time.
3. Examples of measurable contributions include:Duration of membership/member of creative community
   • Committee/task force member contributions
   • Committee/task force leadership
   • Member of SCCM governance

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM member summarizing the nominee’s accomplishments in critical care at the local or regional level.

Council and Board of Regents are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1. 

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a plaque.
2. The award will be presented during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award honors an individual who has demonstrated meritorious contributions to the field of critical care through the advancement of medical science, medical education, or medical care.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating Body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.

Eligibility:

It is not required that the nominee be an SCCM member.

Council and Board of Regents are ineligible for this award during their tenure.

Criteria:

Must demonstrate meritorious contributions to the field of critical care through the advancement of medical science, medical education, or medical care.

Submission Requirements:

1. Submit an updated CV.
2. Submit a nomination letter from an SCCM member in good standing summarizing the nominee’s accomplishments in critical care
3. Submit one letter of support

Council and Board of Regents are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified via email by November 1. 

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a plaque.
2. The award will be presented during the Opening Session of the SCCM Critical Care Congress
3. The awardee will be recognized during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.

Presidential Citation Award

This award recognizes a Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) member for extraordinary contributions of time, resources, and innovation to SCCM during the previous year.

Applications and nominations will open summer 2025.

Nominating body:

1. Voting members of SCCM and SCCM staff are eligible to nominate candidates.
2. Self-nominations are accepted.
3. Council and Board of Regents are ineligible to receive the award during their tenure.

Eligibility:

Must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.

Council and Board of Regents are ineligible to receive the award during their tenure.

Criteria:

Individuals must have made extraordinary contributions of time, resources, and innovation to SCCM during the previous year

Submission Requirements:

1. Must provide a summary of the nominee’s contributions and accomplishments to SCCM during the past year
2. Must include a summary of the nominee’s accomplishments in critical care

Selection:

Council will review and approve the list of nominees.

Notification:

All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.

Recognition:

1. The awardee receives a certificate.
2. The recipients will be recognized during the ACCM Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation.

For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.