Celebrating Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation Award Recipient

16 Dec 2025

We are thrilled to congratulate APB exclusive speaker Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders on receiving the Alma Dea Morani, M.D., Renaissance Woman Award from the Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation. This distinguished honor recognizes a woman who has made a profound impact on medical history and charted a course toward a brighter future in science and health. Dr. Elders received the award during a recent visit to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she was celebrated by students, faculty, and colleagues for her trailblazing career and enduring influence. 

Dr. Elders, the 15th Surgeon General of the United States, has long exemplified leadership, courage, and fierce dedication to public health and equity. The Morani Renaissance Woman Award honors her decades of groundbreaking work not only as a physician and educator, but as a role model whose life story continues to inspire future generations of clinicians and advocates. 

Dr. Elders is more than an award-winning physician—she is a powerful voice for change and an unforgettable speaker. Her life story, from humble beginnings in rural Arkansas to leading one of the nation’s highest medical offices, embodies resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to equity in health.

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