AMGA Acclaim Award

The Acclaim Award recognizes medical groups and other organized systems of care that are bringing the American healthcare system closer to the ideal delivery model – one that is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable.

Purpose: To honor the nation's premier healthcare delivery organizations that are high performing and are bringing their organization closer to the ideal medical group and health system by:

• Measurably improving the quality and value of care
• Improving patient experience and outcomes
• Continuously learning and innovating
• Improving population health

Framework: The award's framework is structured around the Quadruple Aim, which includes:

• Improving patient experience of care
• Improving health of populations with a focus on quality outcomes
• Reducing the per capita cost of health care
• Emphasizing workplace wellness

Eligibility:

• AMGA member organizations
• Medical groups and organized systems of care
• Healthcare delivery organizations

Award Structure:

• Recipient: One recipient selected annually
• Honorees: Two honorees recognized annually
• Finalists: Top-scored applicants also recognized
• Presentation and announcement occurs in April at AMGA's Annual Conference

Geographic Scope: National (United States)

Contact:

• Name: Senait Temesgen, AMGA Foundation Senior Program Manager
• Phone: 703.838.0033 ext. 340
• Email: Available through website contact form

Address: One Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3318

Background: First awarded in 1999, the Acclaim Award began as a way of recognizing medical groups for outstanding improvement in patient outcomes. Application criteria have evolved over time to align with Institute of Medicine (IOM) Aims and Commonwealth Fund Commission standards. Between 2020 and 2023, the award structure was restructured to recognize a recipient, two honorees, and finalists, with health equity advancement now an essential criterion.

Application Process

Two-Round Application Process:

1. Round 1 - Abstract Submission
   • Submit a one-page abstract
   • Acclaim Award Review Committee reviews and scores abstracts
   • Top-scored abstracts advance to finalist round
2. Round 2 - Full Application (Finalists Only)
   • Finalists submit a full application
   • Opportunity to describe organization's initiatives along the path of the Quadruple Aim
   • Acclaim Award Review Committee reviews applications and selects recipient and honoree(s)

Timeline:

• Abstract submission deadline: To be determined
• Finalist announcements: To be determined
• Full application deadline: To be determined
• Award presentation and announcement: April 2026 at AMGA's Annual Conference (Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV)

Application Focus Areas (based on Quadruple Aim):

• Quality and value of care improvement
• Patient experience and outcomes
• Population health management
• Workplace wellness and clinician experience
• Health equity advancement
• Cost reduction and efficiency

For More Information: Click the "Apply Now for the 2026 Acclaim Award" link for detailed submission instructions.