The PAUL G. ROGERS DISTINGUISHED ORGANIZATION ADVOCACY AWARD salutes the former Congressman and Research!America board chair, who knew the power of the patient and patient groups. This award  honors a public or private organization or institution that is a strong advocate for medical, public health, or other health-related research at the national, state, or local level. 

AcademyHealth

AcademyHealth has been a leader in health services research with a successful track record in working alongside policymakers and providers at all levels to apply research evidence to real-world health challenges. AcademyHealth came about through a merger between Alpha Center and the Association for Health Services Research. Building on the strengths of its predecessor organizations and remaining ever-receptive to the evolving needs of the field, AcademyHealth has grown to become a trusted partner in the discovery and dissemination of timely and relevant research-based strategies to improve health and health care.

Dr. Aaron E. Carroll is President & CEO of AcademyHealth and a nationally recognized pediatrician, researcher, and science communicator. Prior to this role, he was a Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and Chief Health Officer at Indiana University, where he also led research mentoring and pediatric comparative effectiveness research. Dr,. Carroll holds degrees from Amherst College, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Washington. His research spans pediatric care technology, decision analysis, and health policy, including cost-effectiveness and financing reform. Dr. Carroll authored The Bad Food Bible and co-authored three books on medical myths. He contributes to major media outlets, co-edits The Incidental Economist blog, and hosts the Healthcare Triage YouTube channel and podcast focused on health research and policy.