Administrators in Medicine

Doug Cerf Executive Directors Award

George S Palmer, MD Award for Excellence

Ronald K Williamson Memorial Award for Board Investigators

John Ulwelling Special Recognition Award

Distinguished Service Award

AIM Best of the Board Awards

Doug Cerf Executive Directors Award

Doug Cerf Executive Director’s Award named in memory of Douglas Nelson Cerf (1947-1994), former Executive Director of the Arizona State Board of Medical Examiners. Doug served the Arizona Board from 1977, first as Associate Executive Director and then as Executive Director until his retirement in 1994. He earned his B.A. and M.P.A. from the University of Arizona. Doug was a founding member and Past President (1988-1989) of AIM. He also served two terms on the Federation of State Medical Boards Board of Directors.

Criteria:
May be presented annually to an individual in recognition of outstanding contributions on a national or state basis to improve the quality of standards for medical practice in the United States and territories.

Guidelines and criteria for the Doug Cerf Executives Award include the following:

The improvement in recipient’s state operation, e.g., budget, statutes etc.
The contribution to the betterment of the Federation of State Medical Boards or similar organizations designed to enhance the standards of medical practice
The willingness and efforts made to share information that can be utilized by other state licensing boards
Other special considerations of an outstanding nature.

Past Award Recipients Include:

2025 - Stephanie Loucka

2019 - Patricia McSorley

2018 - Diana Shepard

2017 - Bob Knittle

2014 - Blake Maresh

2013 - Maryella Jansen

George S. Palmer, MD, Award for Excellence

George S. Palmer, MD, Award for Excellence named for Dr. George S. Palmer, Past President of the Federation of State Medical Boards (1979-1980, Florida), who appointed the first Executive Director to the Federation Board of Directors.

Criteria:
May be presented annually to a member of Administrators in Medicine (AIM) in recognition of outstanding contributions on a national or regional basis; such contributions being dedicated toward the improvement of standards for medical licensure and disciplinary procedures thereby providing a significant service to other states.

Guidelines and criteria for the George S. Palmer, MD, Award for Excellence include the following:

The significance of the project or service to state licensing operations.
The time, effort and resources utilized in completing the project or service.
Dissemination of the project or service.
Other special considerations of an outstanding nature.

Past Award Recipients Include:

2025 - Patricia McSorley

2023 - Ruth Martinez

2019 - Joe Thaler

2018 - Ian Marquand

2014 - Gayle MacAfee

Ronald K. Williamson Memorial Award for Board Investigators

Ronald K. Williamson Memorial Award for Board Investigators is named in memory of Ron Williamson, Outstanding Senior Investigator at the Vermont Board of Medical Practice. This award recognizes excellence in the public protection work of Board Investigators

Criteria:
May be presented annually to members of the Administrators in Medicine (AIM) in recognition of those who have demonstrated outstanding investigative work and dedication to improving investigative techniques and thus improving complaint-handling services for the public.

Past Award Recipients Include:

2016 - Renee Bruess

2014 - Don Pittman

2013 - James Smith

Ruth Martinez Licensing Specialist Award

Instituted in 2024. Named in honor of Ruth Martinez, former Executive Director of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice.

Criteria:
May be presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding work as a licensing specialist including: length of service; improving state and/or national licensing processes; and ensuring that licensing processes protect the health and safety of patients. Winners of this award will be announced at the annual meeting. It may be presented to a licensing specialist who is nominated by their Executive Director.

Past Award Recipients Include:

2025 - Netia Miles

John Ulwelling Special Recognition Award

IN MEMORIAM: Named in Honor of AIM Past President and Founding Member John Ulwelling

Past Award Recipients Include:

2023 - David Henderson

2019 - David Henderson

2014 - Vann Craig

2014 - Thom Mansfield

2013 - Kevin Bohnenblust

Distinguished Service Award

Instituted in 2003, replacing the Lifetime Service Award. This award is for Board Executives who have given lifetime service to their Boards.

Past Award Recipients Include:

2024 - Patricia McSorley

2019 - Deborah Bruce

2018 - Margaret Hansen

2014 - Mari Robinson

2013 - Rhonda Freeman

AIM Best of Boards Awards

Instituted in 1998, these are awarded for a submission by a state medical or osteopathic board that demonstrates an outstanding best practice or program or an innovative model. AIM has a three-person Committee for the selection of this award.

Purpose:
The AIM Best of Boards Award Honors Best Practices: State Medical and Osteopathic Board Executives and staff are always seeking new and better ways to do their jobs. The problem is that few people outside of the Board ever know about these good ideas. The AIM Best of Boards Award provides Boards with the opportunity to share the benefit of their accomplishments with other Boards and to receive recognition for their hard work.

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