2024 NACCCA Awards: Call for Nominations

Dear Members of the North American Chinese Clinical Chemist Association,

It is with great pleasure that we announce the opening of nominations for the prestigious North American Chinese Clinical Chemist Association (NACCA) Awards for the year of 2024. These awards recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. NACCCA aims to celebrate excellence and innovation within our community, and we rely on your nominations to identify those deserving of recognition.

The categories for the 2024 NACCA Awards are as follows:

Lifetime Achievement Award: This award honors an individual who has demonstrated exemplary dedication and contributions to the field of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine over the course of their career. Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award should provide comprehensive evidence and examples that demonstrate how the nominee meets the above eligibility criteria. Supporting documentation, such as descriptions of specific accomplishments and contributions, are encouraged to strengthen the nomination.

Distinguished Contribution to Education Award: The Distinguished Contribution to Education Award recognizes an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the education and training of professionals in the field of Clinical Chemistry. Nominations for the Distinguished Contribution to Education Award should provide compelling evidence and examples that demonstrate how the nominee meets the above eligibility criteria. Supporting documentation, such as student evaluations, educational materials developed, and descriptions of educational initiatives led by the nominee, are encouraged to strengthen the nomination.

Outstanding Leadership Award: This award celebrates an individual who has exhibited exceptional leadership qualities and has made significant contributions to advancing the field of Clinical Chemistry through visionary leadership. Nominations for the Outstanding Leadership Award should provide compelling evidence and examples that illustrate how the nominee embodies these leadership qualities and has made significant contributions to the field of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine through their visionary leadership efforts. Supporting documentation, such as leadership initiatives led by the nominee, and quantifiable outcomes achieved under their guidance, are encouraged to strengthen the nomination.

Outstanding Service Award: This award acknowledges an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service to the Clinical Chemistry community, making significant contributions to the advancement of the field through their service-oriented efforts.

Women in Lab Medicine Award: This award honors a female leader in the field of laboratory medicine who has made remarkable contributions to the profession, inspiring and empowering others through her achievements and leadership. Nominations for the Women in Lab Medicine Award should provide compelling evidence and examples that demonstrate how the nominee meets the above eligibility criteria. Supporting documentation, such as professional achievements, leadership roles held, and descriptions of initiatives led by the nominee to promote diversity and inclusion, are encouraged to strengthen the nomination.

We encourage all members of the NACCCA community to nominate individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine in any of the above categories. Self-nominations are also welcome. Please submit your nominations by June 10, 2024.

To nominate a candidate, please refer to HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION.

The NACCCA Awards Committee will carefully review all nominations and select the deserving recipients based on the criteria outlined for each award category.

Let us come together as a community to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our colleagues in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. Your nominations play a crucial role in honoring those who have made a lasting impact on our field.

Thank you for your participation and support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Yusheng Zhu

Dr. Ahmed Mostafa

Co-chairs, NACCCA Awards Committee

HOW TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION

If you would like to nominate a colleague for one of these awards, please submit a nomination package containing the following materials to nacccaus@gmail.com:

• A letter containing an evaluation and appraisal of the nominee's accomplishments related to the award (max:2 pages)

• Two to three letters of support detailing the nominee’s accomplishments related to the award

• The nominee's curriculum vitae

Incomplete nomination packages will not be considered.

Who can submit a nomination?

Any NACCCA members may submit award nominations.

Can I nominate someone who has already received an NACCCA ward?

Previous NACCCA award recipients may be nominated for an additional award if the candidate has made significant contributions in a different area that warrant such consideration.

Who is not eligible for an NACCCA award?

The NACCCA award recipients may not be nominated for the same award within 5 years unless the candidate has made significant contributions that warrant such consideration.

When does the NACCCA Awards Committee select award recipients?

The NACCCA Awards Committee reviews all nominations and selects award recipients in June of each year. If the nominee was not selected, the nominator will be notified shortly thereafter; however, individuals who wrote letters of support will not be notified.

Lifetime Achievement Award Selection Criteria:

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, leadership, and significant contributions to the field of clinical chemistry throughout their career.

• Career Excellence: The nominee must have a distinguished record of achievement and excellence in the field of clinical chemistry, spanning a significant portion of their career.

• Impactful Contributions: The nominee should have made substantial contributions to the advancement of Clinical Chemistry through research, innovation, clinical practice, education, or leadership roles.

• Leadership and Mentorship: The nominee should have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a commitment to mentoring and inspiring others in the field.

• Recognition and Reputation: The nominee should be widely recognized and respected by their peers for their significant contributions to clinical chemistry.

• Sustained Impact: The nominee's contributions should have had a lasting and meaningful impact on the field of Clinical Chemistry, influencing research, practice, education, or policy.

• Active Engagement: The nominee should have maintained active involvement in the Clinical Chemistry community, including participation in professional organizations, committees, and initiatives.

• Ethical Standards: The nominee should adhere to the highest ethical standards in their professional practice and interactions within the Clinical Chemistry community.

Distinguished Contribution to Education Award Selection Criteria:

• Excellence in Teaching: The nominee should have a proven record of excellence in teaching Clinical Chemistry concepts and principles to students at any level, including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education.

• Curriculum Development: The nominee should have played a significant role in the development, implementation, or enhancement of educational curricula related to Clinical Chemistry, ensuring relevance, rigor, and effectiveness.

• Innovative Educational Practices: The nominee should have demonstrated creativity and innovation in their educational approaches, utilizing effective teaching methods, technology, and instructional materials to enhance learning outcomes.

• Mentorship and Advising: The nominee should have provided exemplary mentorship and guidance to students, trainees, and early-career professionals pursuing careers in Clinical Chemistry, fostering their academic and professional development.

• Educational Leadership: The nominee should have assumed leadership roles in educational institutions, professional organizations, or committees related to Clinical Chemistry education, contributing to the advancement of educational standards and practices.

• Educational Research and Scholarship: The nominee should have engaged in scholarly activities related to Clinical Chemistry education, such as research studies, publications, presentations, or educational program evaluations, that have contributed to the knowledge and understanding of effective educational practices in the field.

• Impact and Recognition: The nominee's contributions to clinical chemistry education should have had a significant impact on students, educators, and the broader Clinical Chemistry community, earning recognition and respect for their educational achievements and leadership.

Outstanding Leadership Award Selection Criteria:

• Visionary Leadership: The nominee must possess a visionary outlook, demonstrating the ability to inspire and guide others toward innovative solutions and advancements in Clinical Chemistry.

• Strategic Direction: The nominee should have a proven track record of formulating and executing strategic plans that have led to substantial progress and growth within the field of Clinical Chemistry.

• Collaborative Approach: The nominee should have effectively fostered collaboration and cooperation among diverse stakeholders within the clinical chemistry community, promoting a culture of teamwork and mutual support.

• Empowerment and Mentorship: The nominee should have shown a commitment to empowering and mentoring others, nurturing talent, and cultivating future leaders within the field of Clinical Chemistry.

• Advocacy and Influence: The nominee should have actively advocated for the importance of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, leveraging their influence to shape policy, secure funding, and raise awareness about critical issues affecting the profession.

• Ethical Leadership: The nominee must uphold the highest ethical standards in their leadership practices, demonstrating integrity, transparency, and accountability in all professional endeavors.

• Impact and Legacy: The nominee's leadership should have resulted in tangible and enduring impacts on the field of clinical chemistry, driving advancements in research, clinical practice, education, or policy that benefit patients, practitioners, and the broader community.

Women in Lab Medicine Award Selection Criteria:

• Professional Excellence: The nominee must have demonstrated exceptional competence and proficiency in the field of Laboratory Medicine, achieving recognition for her outstanding contributions to the profession.

• Innovative Contributions: The nominee should have made significant and innovative contributions to laboratory medicine, advancing knowledge, practice, or technology in the field.

• Leadership and Mentorship: The nominee should have exhibited exemplary leadership qualities, inspiring and empowering others through her mentorship, guidance, and advocacy for professional development.

• Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion: The nominee should have actively promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field of Laboratory Medicine, advocating for the representation and advancement of women and underrepresented groups.

• Community Engagement: The nominee should have actively engaged with the Laboratory Medicine community, participating in professional organizations, committees, and initiatives that contribute to the advancement of the profession.

• Impact and Recognition: The nominee's contributions to laboratory medicine should have had a significant impact on the profession, earning recognition and respect for her achievements and leadership.

• Inspiration and Empowerment: The nominee should serve as an inspirational role model, motivating others to pursue excellence in laboratory medicine and empowering them to achieve their full potential in the field.