The Society of Critical Care Medicine's (SCCM) annual awards program recognizes and honors the achievements of SCCM members while encouraging excellence in teaching and research.
You must be a Professional or Select member of SCCM to apply for all awards except the Safar Global Partner Award and ICU Heroes Award. If you are not an SCCM member, you may join today. You may also upgrade your membership at any time.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Looking for Abstract Awards? Abstract or case reports submitted for the Critical Care Congress may be considered for an award. Learn More
The Grenvik Family Award for Ethics is given each year to recognize an SCCM member in good standing who has devoted significant efforts toward ethical problems in critical care. The award recognizes a person who promotes humanistic and ethical values in critical care.
The award was initiated by Christer Grenvik’s parents, Dr. Ake and Mrs. Inger Grenvik, and was established in 1989 by the Foundation for Critical Care. Christer Grenvik, MD, died at age 30 of a brain tumor while he was an anesthesiology resident. The Christer Grenvik Memorial Fund is funded by Dr. Ake and Mrs. Inger Grenvik.
During his last two years of life, Christer Grenvik became deeply religious and concerned with the critically and terminally ill patient’s autonomy when deciding on choice of treatment. He became particularly interested in the ethical problems of these situations and compassionate care of patients in the terminal stage. Therefore, the goals and objectives of the award are to memorialize Christer Grenvik’s great concern for these problems.
The awardee receives $1000 and a plaque.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating body:
Eligibility:
The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
Council members are ineligible to be nominated during their tenure.
Criteria:
Submission Requirements:
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Patient Safety First! Award recognizes one intensive care unit (ICU) or program that demonstrates novel, effective patient safety initiatives for critically ill and injured patients. The awardee team receives a commemorative plaque and one complimentary registration to the SCCM Critical Care Congress.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating Body:
Eligibility:
The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
Members of the Quality and Safety Committee or related section committees are not eligible to apply during their tenure.
Criteria:
The selection committee will consider the following criteria when evaluating applications:
Submission Requirements:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by letter via email by November 1.
Recognition:
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Susan Lacey.
The Drs. Joseph and Rae Brown Award recognizes an SCCM member who has significantly advanced multiprofessional quality care for critically ill and injured patients at the regional or local level. The award was established to honor the Browns for their work in organizing and sustaining the Pennsylvania Society of Critical Care Medicine, which later became the Pennsylvania Chapter of SCCM.
The awardee receives $1,000 and a plaque.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating body:
Eligibility:
Criteria:
Submission requirements:
Description:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Drs. Vidyasagar and Nagamani Dharmapuri Award for Excellence in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, sponsored by Drs. Vidyasagar and Nagamani Dharmapuri, is conferred annually to recognize an individual for sustained exemplary and pioneering achievement in the care of critically ill and injured infants and children.
The awardee receives $500 and complimentary SCCM Critical Care Congress registration.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating body:
Eligibility:
Criteria:
The nominee must have distinguished themselves by achieving national and international professional prominence by virtue of personal character, leadership, eminence in clinical practice, and outstanding contributions to research, education, program development, and advocacy for pediatric critical care medicine.
Submission Requirements:
Criteria:
The SCCM Pediatrics Section Nominating Committee selects the nominee who will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Family-Centered Care Innovation Award is presented to a unit or program that demonstrates novel, effective methods of providing care to critically ill and injured patients and their families.
The awardee team receives one complimentary SCCM Critical Care Congress registration.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating body:
Voting members of SCCM who are a member of the team are eligible to nominate a unit or program.
Eligibility:
Patient and Family Support Committee members can apply only if they step down from evaluating applications in the years they apply.
Criteria:
The Patient and Family Support Committee will consider the following criteria when evaluating applications:
Submission Requirements:
The following guidelines must be used when submitting your application:
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1. The Patient and Family Support Committee will provide all nonrecipients positive feedback and encourages them to reapply.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Susan Lacey.
The ICU Heroes Award recognizes that patients and families are an integral part of intensive care unit (ICU) care. The award is given to an ICU patient and family and to the multiprofessional team that delivered the care.
Two awards will be presented during the SCCM Critical Care Congress Opening Session: one for a pediatric ICU and one for an adult ICU for participation in the care and recovery of the patient. Each institution and patient’s family will receive a plaque. Complimentary SCCM Critical Care Congress registration and funding for travel will be provided to award recipients. The award recipients will share their stories with the SCCM membership.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating Body:
Voting members of SCCM are eligible to nominate patients and families and the team for the award.
Eligibility:
The team member must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
Submission Requirements:
Applicants are asked to submit a patient’s story (no more than 3 pages) with a focus on attention to patient- and family-centered aspects of care.
Criteria and Selection:
The following criteria will be considered when evaluating applications:
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
Questions related to this award may be directed to Susan Lacey.
The Innovation in Education Award recognizes an educator or team of educators who demonstrate(s) excellence and creativity in the development of an innovative educational program. The award was established to recognize meritorious educational program development that enhances education (particularly multiprofessional education) relating to management of the critically ill patient.
The educational program can be focused on any specific type of learner; however, programs that involve multiprofessional education are viewed favorably. Programs or approaches that can readily be used in other institutions are also viewed favorably.
The individual or one member of the winning team will receive a plaque and one free registration to SCCM’s Critical Care Congress.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating Body:
Eligibility:
Members of the selection committee are ineligible to apply during their terms of service.
Criteria:
The award was established to recognize meritorious, educational program development that will enhance education (particularly multiprofessional education) relating to management of critically ill patients.
Council Liaisons for the Fundamentals, Review and Assessment, and Knowledge and Skills business lines will consider the following criteria when evaluating applications. Their recommendation will be submitted to the Executive Committee for final approval.
Submission Requirements:
The following guidelines must be used when submitting your application:
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Norma J. Shoemaker Award for Critical Care Nursing Excellence honors Norma J. Shoemaker, RN, MN, FCCM, SCCM's first executive director. Norma Shoemaker’s career as a critical care nurse and SCCM executive director spanned the decades during which critical care evolved into a recognized specialty. As SCCM’s founding executive director, she played an instrumental role in nurturing SCCM, which evolved from humble beginnings to a professionally respected, international, multiprofessional organization. To encourage excellence in critical care nursing, and in recognition of Norma Shoemaker’s dedication to SCCM and critical care, the Norma J. Shoemaker Award for Critical Care Nursing Excellence was established in 1992.
The award recognizes an SCCM nurse member who demonstrates excellence in critical care clinical practice, education, and/or administration. The awardee receives $1,000 and complimentary registration to the SCCM Critical Care Congress and reimbursement of airfare and hotel expenses in an amount not to exceed $1,500.
Nominating Body:
Eligibility:
Criteria:
The nominee must have distinguished themselves by achieving excellence in critical care, clinical practice, education, and/or administration and must have demonstrated a commitment to SCCM through involvement in SCCM committees or activities at the local, chapter, or national level.
Submission Requirements:
Selection:
The SCCM Nursing Section Executive Committee will select the nominee, who must meet the above criteria.
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Safar Global Partner Award, sponsored by SCCM, is awarded annually to an individual, hospital, or organization that expands the global reach of SCCM.
The awardee receives a crystal award.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating Body:
Eligibility:
Must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
Criteria:
Examples include:
Submission Requirements:
Selection:
The three most recent past presidents of SCCM evaluate and vote on the nominees. Their recommendation will be forwarded to Council for final approval. Candidates are evaluated based on the above criteria. Recipients are ineligible to receive the award more than once in five years. Recipients will be limited to no more than three per year.
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Shubin-Weil Master Clinician/Teacher: Excellence in Bedside Teaching Award recognizes an SCCM member who is a role model in both the teaching and ethical practice of critical care. Nominees must have substantially furthered the expert and appropriate use of life support interventions.
The awardee receives $500 and a plaque.
Nominating Body:
Past presidents and Council are ineligible to nominate for this award during their tenure.
Eligibility:
Past presidents and Council are ineligible to be nominated for this award during their tenure.
Criteria:
Submission Requirements:
Past presidents and Council are ineligible to write nomination letters during their tenure.
Selection:
A subcommittee of at least five (5) past presidents vote for the recipient
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Barry A. Shapiro Memorial Award for Excellence in Critical Care Management recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the design and/or implementation of evidence-based practice that has significantly impacted clinical, operational, or fiscal outcomes within the awardee’s area of responsibility.
The awardee receives $500 and a plaque.
Nominating Body:
Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to nominate during their tenure.
Eligibility:
The nominee must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to be nominated during their tenure.
Criteria:
Submission Requirements:
Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.
Selection:
The selection committee considers the following criteria:
Hospitals fulfilling the IPS standard operate adult or pediatric general medical and/or surgical ICUs and neurologic ICUs that are managed or comanaged by intensivists who:
Recognition:
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
Sponsored by the American College of Critical Care Medicine
The American College of Critical Care Medicine Distinguished Investigator Award recognizes an established and active SCCM clinical investigator for meritorious and pioneering clinical research in critical care who has significantly contributed to the understanding of disease or treatment of patients.
The awardee receives a crystal, complimentary SCCM Critical Care Congress registration, and reimbursement for airfare and hotel expenses in an amount not to exceed $1,500.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating Body:
Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to nominate during their tenure.
Eligibility:
Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM Committee members are ineligible to be nominated during their tenure.
Criteria:
Submission Requirements:
Board of Regents, Council, and ACCM committee members are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
Recognition:
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Asmund S. Laerdal Memorial Lecture Award commemorates Asmund S. Laerdal, creator of the Resusci Anne manikins used in CPR training procedures. The recipient is chosen from the SCCM Critical Care Congress faculty for extensive involvement in critical care research and publishing. The awardee receives a 50% discount off SCCM Critical Care Congress registration and $5,000. For additional information regarding this award, please contact SCCM.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes SCCM members who have made exceptional leadership contributions that have furthered the vision and mission of SCCM over an extended period of time.
The awardee receives a plaque.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating Body:
Eligibility:
Other Council members and Regents are ineligible for this award during their tenure.
Criteria:
Submission Requirements:
Council and Board of Regents are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
Recognition:
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who has demonstrated meritorious contributions to the field of critical care through the advancement of medical science, medical education, or medical care.
The awardee receives a plaque during the Opening Session of the SCCM Critical Care Congress.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating Body:
Eligibility:
It is not required that the nominee be an SCCM member.
Council and Board of Regents are ineligible for this award during their tenure.
Criteria:
Must demonstrate meritorious contributions to the field of critical care through the advancement of medical science, medical education, or medical care.
Submission Requirements:
Council and Board of Regents are ineligible to write letters of support during their tenure.
Notification:
All recipients will be notified via email by November 1.
Recognition:
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
The Presidential Citation recognizes SCCM members who have made extraordinary contributions of time, energy, and resources to SCCM during the previous year.
The awardee receives a certificate.
Applications and nominations will close on September 1, 2025.
Nominating body:
Eligibility:
Must be a voting member of SCCM in good standing.
Council and Board of Regents are ineligible to receive the award during their tenure.
Criteria:
Individuals must have made extraordinary contributions of time, resources, and innovation to SCCM during the previous year
Submission Requirements:
Selection:
Council will review and approve the list of nominees.
Notification:
All recipients will be notified by email by November 1.
Recognition:
For additional information regarding this award, please contact Claudia Misiaszek.
SCCM holds the annual American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) Convocation and SCCM Awards Presentation at the Critical Care Congress. Award and grant recipients are honored and new Fellows and Masters are inducted into ACCM.
View the 2025 ACCM award recipients.