FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2026
The American Pediatric Society Selects Dr. Joseph L. Wright as the Recipient of the 2027 David G. Nichols Health Equity Award
Distinguished pediatrics leader is recognized for his significant contributions to child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity.
November 5, 2026 – The American Pediatric Society (APS) is pleased to announce Joseph L. Wright, MD, MPH, as the 2027 David G. Nichols Health Equity Award recipient.
The David G. Nichols Health Equity Award, administered by the APS and endowed by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Foundation, was created to recognize demonstrated excellence in advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, practice, or research. This award recognizes Dr. Wright’s outstanding contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity, as well as the far-reaching impact of his work. The award will be presented to Dr. Wright during the APS Presidential Plenary at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2027 Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 30 – May 3.
“Dr. Wright has devoted his career to advancing health equity and transforming the health and well-being of children and adolescents, leaving an extraordinary and enduring mark on the field,” said Tamera Coyne-Beasley, MD, MPH, President of the American Pediatric Society. “His scholarship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child and adolescent has the opportunity to thrive exemplify the very highest ideals of this award. Just as importantly, his impact extends far beyond his own accomplishments—to the clinicians he has mentored, the trainees he has inspired, the institutions he has helped shape, and the communities whose lives have been strengthened by his work. Dr. Wright’s career reflects not only a profound dedication to health equity, but also a deep sense of purpose and responsibility to the next generation. It is a privilege and a genuine pleasure to recognize him as the 2027 David G. Nichols Health Equity Award recipient.”
“Dr. Wright’s career demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be healthy and thrive,” said Michael Barone, MD, MPH, President and CEO of the American Board of Pediatrics. “Through his work as a clinician, scholar, educator, mentor, and national leader, Dr. Wright has not simply called attention to inequities; he has worked tirelessly to change the systems and practices that perpetuate them. His impact on pediatrics is profound, and he is deeply deserving of the 2027 David G. Nichols Health Equity Award.”
As the 2027 David G. Nichols Health Equity Award recipient, Dr. Wright will also serve as the inaugural APS David G. Nichols Visiting Professor. The newly established Nichols Visiting Professor Program will provide APS members and their institutions with an opportunity to host the award recipient for educational, mentoring, and scholarly engagement focused on advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity. More information about the program and the 2027 host institution will be announced in early 2027.
Dr. Wright is known for his transformative contributions to pediatric health equity and his decades-long commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents. As a nationally recognized leader, he has been at the forefront of efforts to eliminate race-based bias from clinical decision-making, helping to shape policies, clinical guidance, and institutional practices that advance equitable care. Through influential scholarship, national leadership roles, and initiatives such as the Encoding Equity Alliance, Dr. Wright has driven meaningful, scalable change across the medical profession.
In addition to his scholarship and advocacy, Dr. Wright has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring and developing the next generation of pediatric clinicians, researchers, and leaders. His dedication to workforce diversity, combined with his leadership of anti-racism and health equity initiatives within the American Pediatric Society and across academic medicine, has had a lasting impact on countless trainees and on the broader pediatric community. Through his work as an educator, mentor, researcher, and advocate, Dr. Wright has advanced equity in child health and inspired change at institutions nationwide.
Dr. Wright earned his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Administrative Medicine and Management from the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. His pediatric residency and fellowship were at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Since 2023, Dr. Wright has been the Senior Vice President and the first Chief Health Equity Officer at the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Please visit the APS website for more information about Dr. Wright and the APS David G. Nichols Health Equity Award.
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About the American Pediatric Society
The American Pediatric Society (APS) founded in 1888 as the first pediatric society in North America, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening academic pediatrics. Through its mission to expand the workforce, nurture leaders, and develop innovative approaches to address child and adolescent health challenges, APS engages over 1,800 distinguished members who are recognized for their extraordinary achievements. Together, they work to advance the future of child health and the profession of pediatrics. For more information, please visit aps1888.org, and follow us on Facebook and X.
Media Contact:
Lisa Thompson
Association Director
American Pediatric Society
(346) 980-9707
lthompson@aps1888.org
