Section on Early Career Physicians Awards

Each year, the AAP Section on Early Career Physicians (SOECP) presents awards to showcase the incredible work of our members. Below are details about our 3 awards.

Advancement in Research Award

This award is presented to an early career physician or entity (work team, institution, AAP group, chapter, etc.) who demonstrates excellence in one or more of the following:

• Influential investigator in a unique research initiative that has a significant impact on child health or physician wellness
• Contribution to the advancement of medical research through ongoing active engagement with high quality studies and reviews with a direct impact on the practice of pediatric medicine
• Lead the execution of a research initiative that may serve as a pathway to health equity

Excellence in Education Award

This award is presented to an early career physician or entity (institution, work team, AAP group, chapter, or other) who does several of the following:

• Demonstrates unique educational initiative to advance medical knowledge in the academic center or community level
• Shows personal expertise as an educator and mentor
• Recognized as an outstanding teacher in a clinical setting to medical students, residents and or other health professionals
• Champions equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives that support the education of underserved communities and/or those who are underrepresented in medicine

Leadership in Advocacy Award 

This award is presented to an early career physician or entity (chapter or AAP group) that has empowered early career physicians to accomplish one or more of the following:

• Implement an initiative or project that brought about a positive impact on children’s health and/or physician wellness in a practice, institution, community, or public policy
• Demonstrate a consistent commitment to child health and/or physician wellness advocacy in their practice, institution, and community through regular engagement with local, state, or national policymakers, community partnerships, their local AAP chapter, and/or local institutions
• Lead the execution of an advocacy initiative that may serve as a pathway to health equity

2025 Honorees

Advancement in Research Award

Elizabeth Yen, MD, FAAP
Dr. Yen is a dedicated pediatrician and neonatologist whose career seamlessly integrates clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and passionate advocacy for underserved populations. Her early experiences as a case manager in Manhattan’s foster care system ignited a lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for infants exposed to opioids in utero. Now an NIH-funded physician-scientist, Dr. Yen leads innovative studies using salivary transcriptomics, neuroimaging, and microbiome analysis to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Her work has earned international recognition, including the prestigious Mont Liggins Award, and has directly influenced public health initiatives such as Early Intervention referrals in Massachusetts. A devoted mentor and former Chair of the Women in Medicine and Science Committee at Tufts, Dr. Yen empowers early-career physicians—especially women and underrepresented minorities—through leadership development and inclusive research environments. Her career exemplifies the AAP’s mission to advance equity, science, and compassionate care for vulnerable pediatric populations.

Excellence in Education Award

Hilda Loria, MD, MPH, FAAP  
Dr. Loria is a distinguished pediatrician and educator whose career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and community health. A first-generation physician who grew up in Guam, Dr. Loria has transformed personal challenges into a powerful platform for uplifting others, particularly through her work with immigrant communities in Texas. She founded the Dallas County Immigrant Child Health Collaborative and has become a cornerstone of advocacy within the Texas Pediatric Society. At UT Southwestern, she is celebrated not only for her clinical expertise but also for her deep investment in mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows—many of whom credit her with shaping their professional paths. Her ability to connect, inspire, and lead has made her a beloved figure whose impact continues to ripple through the next generation of compassionate physicians.

Leadership in Advocacy Award

Laura Chilcutt, MD, JD, FAAP
Dr. Laura Chilcutt is a passionate and accomplished advocate for pediatric health, whose career seamlessly blends clinical expertise with legislative engagement and community empowerment. Since joining the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) in 2018, she has taken on numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Pediatric Residency Advocacy Curricula Task Force and active contributor to the Legislative Advocacy Committee. At Nemours Children’s Hospital, her uniquely designed role dedicates significant time to advocacy through graduate medical education, government relations, and community programming. A licensed attorney and physician, Dr. Chilcutt brings a rare and powerful perspective to policy analysis and legislative strategy, often guiding FCAAP’s efforts to educate lawmakers and mobilize pediatric professionals. Her creation and expansion of a statewide pediatric residency advocacy curriculum exemplifies her commitment to equipping future physicians with the tools to lead change. Dr. Chilcutt’s tireless dedication and innovative leadership make her a standout figure in pediatric advocacy.