Excellence in Pediatrics Annual Awards
The TNAAP Excellence in Pediatrics Awards recognize and honor pediatricians and community members who have made exceptional contributions to children’s health advocacy in Tennessee. The celebration is held in conjunction with our annual Tennessee State Pediatric Conference.
2026 Honorees
Pediatrician of the Year
- Cristin Q. Fritz, MD, MPH, FAAP
Senior Pediatrician of the Year
- Margaret G. Rush, MD
Early Career Physician of the Year
- Rebecca England, MD
Friend of Children
- Nurses for Newborns
2025 Honorees
Pediatrician of the Year
- Hunter Butler MD, FAAP
Senior Pediatrician of the Year
Jim Johns, MD, FAAP
Early Career Physician of the Year
- Edson Ruiz, MD, FAAP
Friend of Children
- Say YES to RECESS Tennessee
AAP Special Achievement Award
- Rosemary Hunter, MD FAAP
2024 Honorees
Pediatrician of the Year
- Suzanne Berman, MD (Crossville)
Senior Pediatrician of the Year
- Jennifer Najjar Leeper, MD (Nashville)
Friend of Children
- Melanie Bull & Jim Schmidt (Nashville)
AAP Special Achievement Award
- Barbara Dentz, MD & Dorothy Sinard, MD (Nashville)
2023 Honorees
Pediatrician of the Year
- Timothy Fuller, DO (Greeneville)
Lifetime Achievement
- Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, FAAP (Nashville)
Senior Pediatricians of the Year
- Gail Beeman, MD, MHPE, FAAP (Memphis)
- Joan White, MD, FAAP (Goodlettsville)
Early Career Physician of the Year
- Kelsey Gastineau, MD, FAAP (Nashville)
Friend of Children
- Heather Brandt, PhD (Memphis)
AAP Special Achievement Award
- Cassandra Brady, MD, FAAP (Nashville)
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsors who make this event possible!
2023 Photo Gallery
