The AFCEA Bethesda Health IT Summit Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and innovations in the field of health information technology. These awards recognize individuals and teams that have made significant contributions to advancing healthcare through technology, demonstrating excellence in leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Nominees for these prestigious awards are exclusively federal employees, ensuring that the focus remains on public sector advancements. However, nominations can be submitted by anyone, allowing a broad range of voices to highlight the exceptional work being done. By honoring these achievements, we aim to inspire continued progress and highlight the critical role of IT in transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. Join us in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of this year’s award recipients.

The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2024

The Award for Health Innovation Excellence recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of healthcare through innovative practices, technologies, or methodologies. This prestigious honor celebrates a visionary leader whose creativity and dedication have significantly improved patient outcomes, enhanced healthcare delivery, or transformed public health initiatives.

Nominees for this award demonstrate an exceptional ability to think outside the box.  This individual exemplifies a commitment to collaboration, inspiring others to join in the pursuit of health innovation. Their impact is felt not only within their organization but also across the broader healthcare landscape, making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Evaluation Criteria:

Nominated individuals should demonstrate the following:

• Innovation and Creativity
  • The nominee has introduced new methodologies, technologies, or practices that are unique and have advanced healthcare outcomes.
• Impact on Healthcare
  • The nominee’s work has led to measurable improvements in patient care, safety, or overall public health outcomes.

• • Leadership in Driving Change: The nominee exhibits strong leadership in inspiring and motivating teams or organizations to adopt innovative practices.
  • Collaboration: The nominee demonstrates the ability to foster partnerships and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders, or other innovators to implement change.

Through this award, we honor those who embody the spirit of innovation, drive meaningful change, and inspire future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in health and wellness.

The Innovation in Health IT Team Award acknowledges a team that has achieved remarkable advancements in healthcare by leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and delivering innovative solutions. This award highlights teams whose creative problem-solving has not only enhanced healthcare delivery but also led to improved patient outcomes or redefined public health initiatives.

Evaluation Criteria:

Nominated teams should demonstrate the following:

• Innovation and Creativity: Successful deployment of advanced technologies, tools, or methodologies to address key challenges in healthcare or public health.
• Collaborative Impact: Proven ability to work across departments, agencies, or organizations, resulting in scalable solutions that improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Measurable Outcomes: Tangible improvements in patient safety, healthcare outcomes, operational performance, or access to care as a result of the team’s efforts.
• Leadership and Vision: A strategic, forward-looking approach to digital health, data analytics, or IT infrastructure, setting new benchmarks for the healthcare sector.
• Broader Impact: The team’s work not only supports their organization’s mission but also serves as a model for innovation across the health IT ecosystem.

This award celebrates teams that exemplify the power of collaboration and technological innovation, inspiring others in the healthcare community to pursue new opportunities for growth and improvement. Their efforts demonstrate the transformative potential of technology in health, leaving a lasting impact on their organization and setting a course for future advancements in health IT. Through this recognition, AFCEA honors those who drive meaningful change and lay the foundation for the future of healthcare.

The Woman Leader in Health IT Award is a prestigious honor recognizing an exceptional woman who has made significant contributions to the field of health information technology. This award celebrates an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and advocacy in leveraging technology to enhance healthcare services and outcomes. By honoring this trailblazer, the award aims to inspire and encourage more women to pursue and excel in health IT roles.

By recognizing the achievements of a woman leader in health IT, this award not only highlights her individual contributions but also underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving technological advancements and improving public health services. The award aims to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in health IT, knowing that their work can have a profound impact on the healthcare system and the lives of millions of people. This comprehensive recognition serves as a testament to the vital role that women play in health IT, celebrating their achievements and encouraging continued excellence and innovation in the field.

Evaluation Criteria:

Nominated individuals should demonstrate the following:

• Leadership and Impact: Demonstrated leadership in health IT initiatives that have led to significant improvements in healthcare delivery or patient outcomes.
  • Examples of leadership may include spearheading major health IT projects, leading cross-functional teams, or influencing policy changes that enhance healthcare services.
• Innovation and Creativity:
  • The nominee should demonstrate a track record of creativity and problem-solving, with tangible results that showcase her ability to think outside the box and drive meaningful change.
• Advocacy and Mentorship: Active involvement in mentoring and advocating for women in health IT, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Award for Healthcare Service Leadership honors an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the transformation or delivery of healthcare services. This prestigious award recognizes a visionary leader who has consistently placed patient outcomes at the center of care while improving the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

This individual is not only a leader within their organization but also an advocate for systemic improvements in healthcare, working tirelessly to influence policies, build collaborative partnerships, and enhance patient-centered care.  Nominees for this award are those who have shown exemplary commitment to fostering a culture of service excellence, empowering healthcare teams, and driving transformative change within healthcare organizations. Their leadership goes beyond operational success.

Evaluation Criteria:

Nominated individuals should demonstrate the following:

• Leadership and Vision
  • Inspirational Leadership & Mentor: The nominee has demonstrated the ability to inspire and motivate teams, creating a shared vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and values.
  • Strategic Impact: The nominee has successfully led initiatives that align with long-term strategic goals, driving significant improvements in service delivery, patient care, and organizational performance.
  • Commitment to Patient Experience: The nominee consistently prioritizes the needs and preferences of patients, ensuring that the care environment is compassionate, respectful, and responsive to patient concerns.

• Innovation and Operational Excellence
  • Quality of Care and Outcomes: The nominee has implemented systems and processes that have measurably improved patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.
  • Patient & Health Equity Advocacy: The nominee advocates for policies, practices, and initiatives that enhance the patient experience and ensure that care is equitable, accessible, and of the highest quality.   The nominee has demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing health disparities by ensuring access to quality care for underserved or marginalized populations.
  • Process Improvement: The nominee has led efforts to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance service delivery, resulting in measurable improvements in care quality, operational effectiveness, or cost savings.

Through this award, we celebrate those who embody the highest ideals of service in healthcare, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all and that the patient experience is one of dignity, compassion, and excellence. Their contributions are felt deeply by patients, families, colleagues, and communities, making a lasting and positive impact on the healthcare landscape.