The Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) hosted its annual awards dinner on Saturday, Sept. 10 in Birmingham, Alabama. Morissa Ladinsky, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics, and Candice Dye, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics, were among those honored.

Dr. Ladinsky received the Marsha Raulerson Advocacy Award. This award recognizes service to children through dedication to better policies for improved child health. The award is named in honor of Marsha Raulerson, M.D., FAAP, of Brewton, who has worked tirelessly for children in Alabama during her more than 30 years of practicing community pediatrics through consistent and effective advocacy for children’s programs and policies at the local, state and national levels. “Thank you for this tremendous honor,” said Dr. Ladinsky. “I will continue to stand on the shoulders of Marsha and draw from her legacy in the persistent fight for child health equity, sustained hope and resilience for all kids and those who provide their care.”

Dr. Dye received a Special Achievement Award for consistent outreach to parents and the public on the importance of childhood vaccination and COVID-19 mitigation in schools. I was truly astonished at receiving this award,” said Dr. Dye. “It takes a village and I’m thankful for our state physicians, who align with the medicine, the truth and the progress forward, that signed on in support of this aligned message and recommendations for our children in schools fighting COVID. I wish I could share this award with Dr. Julie Wolfson, who was the true leader of this mission. I’m so grateful for her public health expertise, medical knowledge and friendship.” 

Congratulations Drs. Ladinsky and Dye!