Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence Distinguished Leadership Service Award

2026 Nomination Deadline: August 5, 2026

Award Overview

Established in 2024, the Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence Distinguished Leadership Service Award recognizes medical doctor leaders whose service, mentorship, and dedication have strengthened the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and advanced breastfeeding and lactation medicine. Named in honor of ABM founding member Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence, the award celebrates individuals whose contributions reflect her enduring commitment to leadership, mentorship, and service.

Presented annually, the award honors an ABM physician member whose contributions have helped advance ABM's mission and support the growth and development of the organization. The recipient is recognized during the ABM Annual International Meeting and through ABM communications.

About Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence

Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence was a pioneering physician, educator, author, and advocate whose work helped establish breastfeeding medicine as a recognized medical discipline. As a founding member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), she played a vital role in advancing the science, education, and clinical practice of breastfeeding medicine, while inspiring generations of healthcare professionals worldwide.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Lawrence combined scientific rigor with compassionate patient care. Her contributions helped elevate the understanding of breastfeeding as an important component of maternal and infant health, and her leadership encouraged the integration of evidence-based breastfeeding support into medical practice. Through her work as a clinician, researcher, educator, and mentor, she influenced countless healthcare professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for mothers and infants. The award that bears her name celebrates individuals who demonstrate the same qualities of service, leadership, mentorship, and commitment that defined her remarkable career.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees should have a sustained record of leadership, service, and commitment to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and meet the following criteria:

• Be an actively practicing or retired medical doctor.
• Be a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
• Exemplary service and leadership within ABM.
• Significant contributions to the organization's reputation, growth, and development.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering and mentoring future leaders within ABM.
• Significant service through regional and/or direct ABM volunteer activities.

Submit a Nomination or Apply

2026 Nomination Deadline: August 5, 2026

ABM welcomes nominations that reflect leadership and service across countries, cultures, healthcare systems, and professional settings. To complete a nomination, you will be asked to provide information about the nominee's contributions to ABM, upload the nominee's CV, and submit two signed letters of recommendation.

Submit a Nomination or Apply

Past Recipients

2024

Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence

Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence was the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence Distinguished Leadership Service Award. Her son, Robert M. Lawrence, MD, accepted the award on her behalf from then-ABM President Elien Rouw, MD FABM, during the 2024 ABM Annual International Meeting.