Academy for Excellence in Clinical Medicine

Welcome

The Academy for Excellence in Clinical Medicine (AECM) was established in 2021. The goal of the AECM is to honor exemplary clinicians who combine humanism, professionalism, and a passion for patient care with a scholarly approach to improving patient health. The AECM also serves as a community of leaders to promote clinical excellence.

The Academy is a collective of outstanding clinical faculty members in the School of Medicine who are highly engaged in the clinical mission. Each strives to have a significant impact on clinical endeavors in diverse settings with a variety of learners, patients, and peers. 

Mission Statement

The Academy for Excellence in Clinical Medicine is dedicated to honoring and advancing exemplary clinicians who blend humanism, professionalism, and a fervent commitment to enhancing patient care and improving health outcomes. The AECM includes clinical faculty that engage in transformative endeavors across our medical center and the community. Our mission is to cultivate a community of leaders who promote clinical excellence through innovation, ethical practice, patient centered care and multidisciplinary collaboration while promoting equity, effective communication, and adaptive practices that improve quality of care, and support the well-being of both patients and colleagues.

Executive Leadership

Alison Herndon, MD, MSPH
Associate Professor, Pediatrics

David Parra, MD
Professor, Pediatrics

Shilpa Reddy, MD
Associate Professor, Pediatrics

Qualifications for Nomination

• Must be a faculty clinician in the School of Medicine
• Must devote at least 50% effort to clinical care
• Faculty clinicians who typically do not have patient contact are eligible (pathology, radiology, etc.)
• Non-M.D. faculty clinicians are eligible if they meet other qualifications
• Must be employed at VUMC for a minimum of 5 years at the time of call for nominations and an active member of the clinical faculty at the time of the award

Call for Nominations Process

• For a nominee to move forward in the process, the faculty member must receive a minimum of three nominations.
• The selection committee will be constituted with physician leaders from within the institution.
• If a nominee moves forward, a rigorous review process will include a personal statement and letters from faculty, staff, learners, and patients and their families.

Member Expectations 

• Promote excellence through education and mentoring of faculty and trainees
• Plan and attend annual symposium on clinical excellence
• Serve as subcommittee members of the Academy
• Attend Academy events and meetings

2025 AECM Nominations are Open

Nominate HERE!

Nominations close on July 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm.