2026 MMA Awards Nominations Are Now Open, Nominate a Peer

April 16, 2026

Members are encouraged to nominate their peers, medical students, residents/fellows, and advocacy champions for one of the MMA’s annual awards. Visit the MMA website to make a nomination by June 26.    

Award categories include:     

• Distinguished Service Award. Given to a physician who has made outstanding contributions in service to the MMA on behalf of medicine and the physicians of Minnesota during their career.    

• President’s Award. Designated for individuals who have made outstanding contributions in service to the goals of the MMA.    

• Medical Student Leadership Award. Presented to a member of the MMA Medical Student Section who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the medical profession.    

• Resident & Fellow Leadership Award. Presented to a member of the MMA Resident & Fellow Section who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the medical profession.    

• MMA Foundation/Copic Humanitarian Award. Presented each year to honor a physician for volunteer medical services and contributions to their community, specifically to MMA members who go above and beyond to help address the healthcare needs of underserved populations in Minnesota.    

• James H. Sova Memorial Award for Advocacy. Given to a person who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of public policy, medical sciences, medical education, medical care or the socioeconomics of medical practice. Sova was the chief lobbyist for the MMA from 1968 until his death in 1981.    

• Eric C. Dick Memorial Health Policy Partner Award. Awarded to an individual, group, or organization that demonstrates commitment to pursuing sound public policy, building coalitions, creating and/or strengthening partnerships with the goal of improving the health of Minnesotans or the practice of medicine in Minnesota. Dick was the MMA’s manager of state legislative affairs from 2010 until his death in 2021.    

Award recipients will be announced in September.