Holroyd-Sherry Award
Background
The award was established in 2000 in honor of H. James Holroyd, MD, FAAP, and S. Norman Sherry, MD, FAAP, whose leadership in the medical profession has called serious attention to the powerful influence mass media have on the health and well-being of children and adolescents. Drs. Holroyd and Sherry were instrumental in initiating the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) ongoing examination of the media's relationship to such factors as aggressive behavior and violence, substance use and abuse, nutrition, obesity, sexuality, body-image, self-concept, and school performance. Their longstanding commitment as ardent spokespersons, policy-makers, researchers, and advocates of media literacy has led to enormous progress and greater understanding of these issues, and has made a significant difference in the lives of children.
Dr. Holroyd chaired the Task Force on Children and Television from 1983 to 1985. This task force authored the first AAP policy on the role of television in children's lives and was the predecessor to the Committee on Communications (COC) on which Dr. Holroyd served from 1993 to1998. He chaired the Media Resource Team from 1994 to 1996, a group which consulted with television and motion picture industries to ensure that pediatric health issues are conveyed accurately and appropriately. Dr. Holroyd also represented the Academy in negotiations with the television industry to establish the ratings system that helps parents choose suitable programs for children.
Dr. Sherry chaired the Council on Child and Adolescent Health from 1981 to 1985. He served on the COC from 1993 to 1998 and was a founding member of the Task Force on Children and Television from 1983 to 1986, playing a major role in establishing the first AAP policy on television as a children's health issue. By recommending parents set limits on their children's television viewing choices and habits, and encouraging media education as a way to help children become critical viewers, these early efforts helped to underscore the importance of a pediatrician's role in youth education.
Qualifications and Nomination Procedure
The AAP will recognize one Fellow of the Academy whose outstanding contributions have demonstrated that media's influence on child and adolescent health is an important public health issue, and whose work in the areas of advocacy, legislation, research, and professional or public education addresses and/or suggests solutions to the health implications raised by child and adolescent use of media. Current members of the executive committee for the Council on Communications and Media, or employees of the AAP, may not be nominated. Self nomination is allowed.
An inscribed crystal award will be presented to the award winner at a district or chapter meeting.
The deadline for submissions is March 12, 2026. ​
2026 Email/Mail Nomination Form​​​​
To submit, mail to:
Department of Public Affairs
Re: Holroyd-Sherry Award
American Academy of Pediatrics
345 Park Blvd
Itasca, IL 60143
Tel: (800) 434-8000
For information, Contact Us​.
The Emerging Voices Award
The Council on Communications and Media (COCM) is excited to announce a new form of recognition for outstanding early career communicators in pediatrics: the Emerging Voices Award.
The Emerging Voices Award is designed to elevate the profile of junior colleagues who exemplify some of COCM's most valued qualities. These include but are not limited to: academically rigorous, fact-based, inclusive, accessible, and engaging communication on essential, timely issues for the health and wellbeing of children and families. During a period of political transition—and amid the ongoing proliferation of misinformation and disinformation across traditional and novel media platforms—involvement of pediatricians across platforms is critical to ensuring the health and wellbeing of children and their families.
By shining a spotlight on the next generation of health communicators, the Emerging Voices Award also aims to encourage involvement of early career AAP members in the mass media as well as in COCM itself. Eligible nominees include pediatricians with less than 5 years in independent practice; fellows; residents; and medical students interested in pediatrics who are members of the AAP. Nominees will be evaluated by the COCM Executive Committee's Emerging Voices Nominations Committee.
The recipient will receive recognition at the AAP's National Conference and Exhibition, as well as a $3,500 honorarium to attend that meeting. In addition, each year’s Emerging Voices Award recipient will serve for one-year as a member of the COCM Executive Committee.
The deadline for submissions is March 5, 2026.
2026 Email/Mail Nomination Form
To submit, mail to:
Department of Public Affairs
Re: Emerging Voices Award
American Academy of Pediatrics
345 Park Blvd
Itasca, IL 60143
Tel: (800) 434-8000
For information, Contact Us.
AAP Publishing Award
AAP Publishing and the Council on Communications and Media (COCM) are excited to announce a new form of recognition for notable achievements of pediatricians in publishing: the inaugural AAP Publishing Award.
The AAP Publishing Award is awarded annually to recognize outstanding contributions to publishing in the field of pediatrics, including
- advancing the science
- impact on the field
- distinguished service on editorial boards
- developing publications with large reach and distribution
- innovation in publishing
- contributions to the mission and activities of the AAP
- And other publishing-related accomplishments
- A point of emphasis will be achievements in writing and developing innovative publications with a major impact on the practice of primary care pediatrics in offices and clinics
Additional Criteria
- Nominees must be members of the AAP in any category of membership.
- Posthumous nominations will be considered (past AAP membership as criteria).
The recipient will be selected based on long-term accomplishments with AAP Publishing and/or other publishers. Nominees will be evaluated by a selection committee identified by AAP Publishing and COCM.
The recipient will receive recognition at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition, as will be the guest of the AAP at the award presentation; either in-person or virtual. All appropriate travel expenses, in accordance with the AAP travel policy, and conference registration will be covered by the AAP for the award recipient.
The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2026.
2026 Email/Mail Nomination Form​​​​
To submit, mail to:
AAP Publishing
Re: 2026 AAP Publishing Award
American Academy of Pediatrics
345 Park Blvd
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: 800/434-4000 e-mail:[email protected]
Last Updated
02/18/2026
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics