In a few days, the 2012 Military Health System conference will be in full swing.  Today’s countdown update highlights awards ceremonies that will be held during the conference which runs from Jan. 31 to Feb.2, 2012 at the Gaylord Convention and Conference in National Harbor, Md.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, three awards will be presented.  The Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Military Medicine Award will honor a uniformed MHS physician. The winner possesses the qualities of a caring and compassionate physician by demonstrating ethical behavior, empathy and service to others.  Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for Health Affairs, will present this award.

The USU Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Uniformed Services University of Health Science in Bethesda, Md. will be presented to two military medical facilities for their overall support of the USU’s teaching programs.  And, the Department of Defense’s Patient Safety Awards will recognize outstanding efforts to improve the delivery of healthcare to patients.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Healthcare Innovation Program Awards will be presented. A total of four individuals – a mix of civilian and military - will be recognized based on innovative programs created at a military health facility to improve access, cost and quality of care to enhance the military readiness of service members.

Finally, the Building Stronger Female Physician Leaders Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, Feb 2.  These annual awards recognize influential female physicians in the military for their accomplishments, leadership and services.

For more on the 2012 MHS conference, to watch plenary session videos and view photos, visit heath.mil/2012mhsconference.