Each year a selection committee appointed by the Institute of Medicine considers the following criteria when determining the winner of the Lienhard Award. Principal selection criteria  Achievement in the area of personal health services, and Achievement of national scope.

 Additional selection criteria

• Innovative, creative, and pioneering achievement;
• Unique contributions by the nominee to that achievement;
• Positive change over a sustained period – not simply the potential for such change – through the nominee's achievement;
• A qualitative and quantitative impact;
• Success in overcoming barriers, based on resources available.

Finally, the recipient must attend the ceremony to receive the award, which is held in October at the IOM's Annual Meeting.

Please note that letters of endorsement will not be accepted or considered by the selection committee during the selection process. If you have questions about the award or the nominations process, contact us at lienhard@nas.edu or 202.334.2177.