Every year CECA presents two awards to individuals who have went above and beyond for children in Tennessee. Please read more information about these awards below.

These awards are presented during a luncheon at the Annual Update in Acute & Emergency Care Pediatrics Conference. 

This award is bestowed upon an individual who has made an outstanding contribution of major significance to Children's Emergency Care Alliance. Candidates are from all areas of the continuum of pediatric emergency care. This person has provided an indispensable service which is above and beyond all expectations and their efforts demonstrate exemplary dedication to the wellbeing of children.

Dr. Weinberg has been an instrumental figure in the establishment of Emergency Medical Services for Children both nationally (as EMSC) and in Tennessee (as Children's Emergency Care Alliance). He was one of the original authors of the first publication noting the deficiencies of the healthcare system as it relates to critically ill and injured children. He is the ideal embodiment of a pediatrician that combines his expertise in emergency medicine and political maneuvering to improve care for children. This award is bestowed upon an individual who displays the attributes of a leader that can bring together diverse stakeholders and organizations to improve the care of critically ill and injured children.

The Award Luncheon will be held coinciding with the Annual Update in Acute & Emergency Care Pediatrics Conference.

When: April 13, 2023

Where: 2023 Conference

2017 - Advocate for Children Award: James E. Tabor, Jr., MSM, CHEP

            Joseph Weinberg, MD Leadership Award: Rita Westbrook, MD, FAAP

2018 - Advocate for Children Award: Jennifer Dindo, RN

            Joseph Weinberg, MD Leadership Award: Ben Welch, PhD

2019 - Advocate for Children Award: Rhonda Phillippi, RN

            Joseph Weinberg, MD Leadership Award: Kate Copeland, MSN, RN  NEA-BC

2020 - Advocate for Children Award: Alex Diamond, MD

            Joseph Weinberg, MD Leadership Award: Trey Eubanks, MD

2021 - Advocate for Children Award: Amber Greeno, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC, CPN

            Joseph Weinberg, MD Leadership Award: Rudy Kink, MD

2022 - Advocate for Children Award: Candace Wilkes

            Joseph Weinberg, MD Leadership Award: Kevin Brinkmann, MD

If you know someone who would be worthy of receiving one of these awards, please complete this nomination form. Nominations are due January 31, 2023. For any questions, please contact the CECA office at cecatn@vumc.org or 615-343-3672.