This is AAMI's most prestigious award. Named after two pioneers in the field—Harold Laufman, MD and Wilson Greatbatch, PhD—this highly regarded award honors an individual or group that has made a unique and significant contribution to the advancement of healthcare technology and systems, service, patient care, or patient safety. 

The award includes a $5,000 check and a plaque to be presented at the AAMI Exchange.

John Hughes was a longtime AAMI member and leader - a former member of the AAMI Board of Directors, the BI&T Editorial Board, TMC, the Annual Conference Planning Committee, and countless other committees and task forces. John was also one of the early adopters of bridging the gap between clinical engineering and information technology. He worked at the Washington Hospital Center, as well as Bon Secours Health System, as corporate director for contract administration before retiring. The ultimate iconoclast, John never hesitated to speak his mind, argue his point, and push for new and unconventional approaches and thinking to healthcare technology.

In honor of John Hughes, this award recognizes an individual who pushes the boundaries of the HTM professional and demonstrates individual excellence, achievement, and leadership.

Above all else, this award recognizes individuals with critical thinking skills, who have demonstrated a willingness to speak up and challenge the norm for the betterment of the HTM field. Thanks to the generous support of TRIMEDX, this award includes a plaque and a $1,000 check to be presented at the AAMI Exchange.

The AAMI Foundation, in partnership with HSEA, awards one health systems engineer scholarship each year. The scholarship is worth $3,000 and is awarded in a one-time, lump sum check to each scholarship winner at the AAMI Exchange. Each applicant is only eligible for one scholarship awarded by AAMI in a given year.