The AAMC formally presented Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) with the 2025 Champion of Academic Medicine Award on July 15, following an announcement of award recipients during Academic Medicine Week in June [refer to Washington Highlights, June 27] and presenting Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark) with his award on July 8 [refer to Washington Highlights, July 11]. Castor has chaired the Congressional Academic Medicine Caucus for 10 years, leading discussions amongst her colleagues and advocating for medical schools, academic health systems, and teaching hospitals while underscoring their contributions to patient care, biomedical research, and health care workforce development. Throughout her time in Congress, she has worked to address the physician shortage and highlight the training, research, and partnerships in academic medicine. In addition, she has served as a leader for children’s health, supporting legislation to improve the quality of care for children and their access to care. Following the presentation of the award, Castor joined Reps. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) in a conversation with AAMC leadership and several medical school deans on issues impacting the future of the medical workforce.
(Pictured from left to right) Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD.