The Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) Distinguished Awards season is back for 2026, awarding seven healthcare community members across six award categories. Each award recognizes excellence in clinical practice and community impact, highlighting physicians and non-physicians who exemplify the highest ideals of service, leadership, and compassion in medicine.
This year’s awardees include:
Benjamin Rush Awards
• Mr. Brett Palestra – Benjamin Rush Individual Award
• The Children’s Institute – Benjamin Rush Community Award
These awards honor one outstanding non-physician community member who devotes their efforts to healthcare advancement and one organization that addresses community health issues.
Physician Awards
• Gregory Anderson, MD – Nathaniel Bedford Primary Care Award
• Daniel Grob, MD – Nathaniel Bedford Primary Care Award
• Gysella Muniz Pujalt, MD, MBA, FAAP – Ralph C. Wilde Leadership Award
• Anna Marie White, MD, FACP, FAAP – Richard E. Deitrick Humanity in Medicine Award
• Thomas Campbell, MD, MPH, FACEP – ACMS Spirit of Service Award
The Nathaniel Bedford Primary Care Award is earned by a primary care physician who shows exemplary compassionate, comprehensive, and dedicated care for patients. In 2026, two physicians will receive this award.
The Ralph C. Wilde Award recognizes a physician who demonstrates exceptional skills in clinical patient care and dedication to the ideals of the medical profession as a teacher or leader.
The recipient exemplifies the characteristics of the late Ralph C. Wilde, a dedicated physician, teacher, leader, and humanitarian.The Richard E. Deitrick Humanity in Medicine Award honors a physician who has improved patients’ lives by caring for them with integrity, honesty, and respect for their human dignity, serving as a role model for other physicians.
The ACMS Spirit of Service Award is presented to a member who demonstrates outstanding volunteerism and a strong dedication to the organization.
All ACMS awardees will be honored at the ACMS Distinguished Awards program on Thursday, November 12, at the UPMC Club at Acrisure Stadium. The event welcomes members of the media for photos and interviews at the discretion of each awardee. Press badges can be secured by contacting YaJagoff Media, LLC at [email protected] or [email protected].
Learn more about the event and awardees at https://www.acms.org/acms-distinguished-awards-program-2026/.
About the Allegheny County Medical Society
Founded in 1865, the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS) represents more than 2,000 physicians and medical students in Allegheny County. ACMS works to advance public health through education, advocacy, service, and support for physician well-being while promoting the highest standards of medical care and strengthening the physician–patient relationship.
