The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Simulation and Innovative Learning Methods (SoSILM) is pleased to announce we are now accepting nominations for the 2026 Dr. Lou Halamek Pediatric Simulation Excellence Award.

This award was created in recognition of the significant contributions to pediatric simulation made by Dr. Lou Halamek (SoSILM Executive Committee member 2016-2021). Dr. Halamek, MD, FAAP, is a founding member of the Section on Simulation and Innovative Learning Methods (SoSILM) and has been instrumental in leading and mentoring others in valuable simulation projects and initiatives including one of the first programs at the AAP to fully incorporate the science of simulation, our Neonatal Resuscitation Program® (NRP®). Dr. Halamek is a Professor in the Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University. He has a clinical appointment at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford where he works in the level IV neonatal intensive care unit and is the Director of Neonatal Resuscitation. He is a recognized expert in debriefing and has trained local, regional, national, and international professionals on debriefing methods.

Eligibility
The Lou Halamek Pediatric Simulation Excellence Award recognizes outstanding contributions to child health using simulation and innovative learning methods.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:
  • The recipient must be an AAP member.
  • The award will be based on outstanding service to the AAP beyond that required of the elected leadership.
  • The recipient will have made notable contributions to pediatric simulation on a national level and be recognized for excellence in teaching and mentoring others in the use of simulation.
  • The recipient will be selected based on long-term accomplishments.

Process
If you would like to submit a nomination, please complete this nominations form. The deadline for submitting nominations is December 5, 2025, at 11:59pm CST.
The SoSILM Awards Committee will review nominations and notify select nominees to complete a detailed application, providing detailed information of their contributions.

Please contact SoSILM@aap.org if you have any questions about the nominations process.

Thank you,
SoSILM Executive Committee

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* 1. NOMINATOR Information

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* 2. NOMINEE Information

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* 3. Is the nominee a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)?

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* 4. Why is this person being nominated? Please describe the nominee's notable contributions to pediatric simulation or innovative learning methods on a national level. This could include a local or community-based reach.

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* 5. Please describe the nominee's service to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Examples include, but are not limited to, work within an AAP chapter, committee, council, or section, participation on local, national, or international task forces and initiatives, etc.

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* 6. Please list any other qualities or contributions of the nominee that you would like to highlight for the selection committee. (Enter N/A if not applicable)

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