WASHINGTON, DC—The Military Health System’s Chief Human Capital Office launched a new annual “Building Stronger Female Physician Leaders in the MHS” award. The award, which is the first of its kind, identifies and honors outstanding female physicians who have made significant contributions to the practice of military medicine and serve as exemplary role models for others.

The award is designed to attract female physicians into the MHS, a vital need because of increasing numbers of females entering and graduating from medical schools. “Female physicians are an integral part of the work of the MHS,” said Ms. Ellen Embrey, performing the duties of assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, in a statement. “This award represents our commitment to honor their contributions to military medicine, as well as an opportunity to motivate the next generation of young women physicians.”

The award will honor one junior leader (03-05) per service, as well as recognize one senior (06) MHS-wide leader. Nominees must demonstrate distinctive achievement and service in their field of clinical expertise, involvement in enhancing the role of women in medicine by being a positive role model for women of all ages, and service to their communities.

A panel comprised of a female physician leader from each service, as well as one female leader from Department of Defense Health Affairs, will review and score each of the nomination packages and determine the award winners based on the order of merit. Winners will have the opportunity to sit on future panels.

The role of the Chief Human Capital Office (CHCO) organization is to integrate efforts to sustain more than 130,000 military and civilian medical and support professionals. The CHCO Team is also responsible for the policies behind succession planning, faster ways to recruit and retain personnel, increased compensation, and improved quality of work for the entire MHS.

To nominate an outstanding female physician, visit www.health.mil/people. Nominations are due on October 30, 2009. Winners will be announced formally at the MHS Conference, held in Washington, DC in January 2010.

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