Logo Image

The Seema Sonnad Award

Excellence in Managed Care Leadership

Nominate a Rising Leader in Managed Care Research

The Seema S. Sonnad Emerging Leader in Managed Care Research Award, established in 2015 in memory of our esteemed associate editor, Seema S. Sonnad, PhD, pays tribute to rising stars who are revolutionizing the field of managed care. This accolade recognizes individuals who embody Dr Sonnad’s passion for groundbreaking research and have the potential to reshape the future of health care. Nominate exceptional candidates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes in the realm of managed care.

Nominations must be submitted by July 1, 2026.

Submit Here

Eligibility and Requirements

  • Eligible for researchers who:
    • Earned their highest degree 5 or fewer years ago OR
    • Have been in their first full-time role for 7 years or less
  • Publication or acceptance of a paper in AJMC® will be positively noted (but not required)
  • Letter of recommendation outlining contributions and merit (not to exceed 2 pages) is required
  • Curriculum Vitae/resume is required
  • Self nominations are permitted

Winner Will Receive

  • Travel to PCOC Conference in Nashville
  • Admission & Recognition at PCOC
  • Engraved recognition award
  • Featured interview with AJMC®

Award Committee

Cochairs

A. Mark Fendrick, MD

Professor of Medicine, School of Medicine

Director, Center for Value-Based Insurance Design

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

Michael E. Chernew, PhD

Leonard D. Schaeffer Professor of Health Care Policy

Director, Healthcare Markets and Regulation Lab

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

Members

Dennis P. Scanlon, PhD

Distinguished Professor of Health Policy and Administration

Director of the Center for Health Care and Policy Research

Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA

Kimberly D. Williams, MPH

Senior Research Associate

Value Institute, ChristianaCare Institute for Research on Equity and Community Health

Newark, DE

Previous Recipients

Meet the exceptional leaders who have been honored with this prestigious award.

Jane M. Zhu, MD, MPP, MSHP2025

Jane M. Zhu, MD, MPP, MSHP

Please view AJMC®’s press release.

Lisa Rotenstein, MD, MBA2024

Lisa Rotenstein, MD, MBA

Please view AJMC®’s press release.

David J. Meyers, PhD2023

David J. Meyers, PhD

Please view AJMC®’s press release and a brief video.

Ishani Ganguli, MD, MPH2022

Ishani Ganguli, MD, MPH

Please view AJMC®’s press release and a brief video.

Christopher M. Whaley, PhD2021

Christopher M. Whaley, PhD

Please view AJMC®’s press release.

Renuka Tipirneni, MD, MSc2020

Renuka Tipirneni, MD, MSc

Please view AJMC®’s press release.

Inmaculada Hernandez, PharmD, PhD2019

Inmaculada Hernandez, PharmD, PhD

Please view AJMC®’s press release.

Erin Trish, PhD2018

Erin Trish, PhD

Please view AJMC®’s press release and a brief video.

Ilana Graetz, PhD2017

Ilana Graetz, PhD

Please view AJMC®’s press release.

Zirui Song, MD, PhD2016

Zirui Song, MD, PhD

Please view AJMC®’s press release.

Julia Adler-Milstein, PhD2015

Julia Adler-Milstein, PhD

Please view AJMC®’s press release and a brief video.

Submit a Nomination

Know someone who exemplifies excellence in managed care leadership? Complete the form below to submit your nomination.