Call for Nominations
Karen M. Sanders, MD, DEO of the Year Award | call for nominations
The Karen M. Sanders, MD, Designated Education Officer of the Year Award recognizes a VA medical facility Designated Education Officer (DEO) with an outstanding track record in health professions education (HPE) in the following areas: educational administration, curriculum, health professions trainee (HPT) assessment, program evaluation, educational research, educational policy and/or affiliate relationships.
Award
Each year, one DEO recipient will receive the Karen M. Sanders, MD, Designated Education Officer of the Year Award. The awardee will receive a plaque and $7,500 in award funding.
Nomination Criteria
To submit a nomination for the Office of Academic Affiliations’ (OAA) Karen M. Sanders, MD, Designated Education Officer (DEO) of the Year Award, please use the instructions and checklist of required documents below.
Nomination Criteria
- Outstanding champion of health professions education (HPE) in the following areas: educational administration, curriculum, health professions trainee (HPT) assessment, program evaluation, educational research, educational policy, and/or affiliate relationships.
- At least five (5) years of experience as a DEO and is currently serving as a DEO with no active plans to leave the role.
- Nomination by nominee’s supervisor (Chief of Staff and/or Medical Center Director).
Qualification/Selection Criteria
Evidence (what, how, impact, and dissemination beyond the nominee’s local VA/organization) of the nominee’s exceptional contributions in following areas:
- Exceptional contribution in HPE office leadership
- Leads a high functioning office
- Complies with OAA policy and required business processes
- Significant contributions in one or more of the following areas:
- Advocacy for HPE
- Mentorship and career advising
One-step nomination process
- Required Documents:
- 1-Page Nomination Letter
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Abstract (300 words or less)
Nomination package submission deadline is January 9, 2026
Thank you for your support in recognizing employees who dedicate their lives to providing and supporting high quality health professions education for our trainees serving our nation’s Veterans.
Questions
Questions may be directed to the OAA Awards Team.