Recognize Excellence in Pain Care: Apply or Nominate for 2026 AAPM Awards
Every year, the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) honors exceptional individuals and institutions who are shaping the future of pain care. At PainConnect 2026, we continue that tradition with a powerful lineup of award opportunities that celebrate clinical excellence, leadership, education, and innovation.
Whether you’re a practicing pain specialist, an early-career fellow, or a program director dedicated to shaping the next generation, this is your moment to be recognized or to honor someone who deserves it.
Now Open: 2026 AAPM Awards Call for Nominations
The AAPM Awards Program recognizes individuals whose contributions have advanced the science, education, and clinical practice of pain medicine. These prestigious awards are presented live at the PainConnect Annual Meeting, where the pain care community gathers to connect, lead, and innovate together.
2026 Award Categories Include:
- Philipp M. Lippe, MD Award – for social or political contributions that have benefited the field of pain medicine.
- Founders Award – for outstanding contributions to the science or practice of pain medicine.
- Distinguished Service Award – for exceptional commitment and service to AAPM.
- Patient Advocacy Award – for advancing treatment options for people living with pain through advocacy, public outreach, or program work.
- Presidential Excellence Award for Education – for significant, ongoing contributions to education in pain medicine through teaching, curriculum development, or leadership.
- Robert G. Addison, MD Award – for outstanding efforts that promote international collaboration and further the global development of the pain medicine specialty.
- Rollin ‘Mac’ Gallagher Pain Medicine Journal Award – for exceeding expectations in their dedication to the Journal, showing exceptional commitment to advancing top-tier scientific contributions in the field of pain medicine.
Deadline for nominations: January 5, 2026
Award recipients will be featured in a special ceremony at the PainConnect 2026 Saturday Awards Gala, held March 8 in Salt Lake City. Celebrate excellence. Inspire others. Help shape the future of pain medicine, one nomination at a time.
AAPM is also proud to open the Call for Submissions for the 2026 Pain Medicine Fellowship Excellence Award. This program celebrates accredited pain fellowships, demonstrating:
- Outstanding clinical training and mentorship
- Commitment to interdisciplinary, patient-centered care
- Scholarly activity and educational innovation
- Positive professional culture and wellness
This award highlights fellowship programs that don’t just train pain physicians; they shape future leaders who will transform the field.
Submission Deadline: December 19, 2025
Winner receives:
- Formal recognition at PainConnect 2026
- A featured profile on the AAPM and PainConnect websites
- Spotlight during the Pain Fellows Reception on Saturday night
Why These Awards Matter to the PainConnect Community
At PainConnect 2026, our mission is clear: Lead, Innovate, Heal – Transforming Pain Care Together. These awards aren’t just about prestige; they’re about recognizing the trailblazers who are living that mission every day.
Whether you’re part of a leading academic program, managing a busy clinical practice, or innovating new approaches to pain care, your work deserves to be seen. These honors elevate visibility, foster connection, and strengthen the future of pain medicine.
These honors are more than accolades; they represent a commitment to advancing pain medicine through collaboration, research, and compassionate care. Award recipients become part of a distinguished legacy that inspires the entire pain care community. Their stories serve as beacons for trainees, peers, and future leaders shaping the specialty. Whether you’re nominating a mentor, a changemaker in advocacy, or a program setting new standards in fellowship training, your voice helps spotlight the progress happening across pain care. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate this year’s most impactful contributors. Recognition begins with your nomination; make it count.
