Follow Us!
AWARDS
Recognizing Excellence in Medical Assisting Across North Carolina
The North Carolina Society of Medical Assistants (NCSMA) recognizes outstanding chapters and members through a variety of awards that celebrate leadership, education, engagement, service, and professional achievement.
NCSMA- Sponsored Awards
ALL Chapter Awards Stand Rules & Application
Recognizing outstanding component chapter achievements.
Membership Awards
● Numerical Increase Award
● Student Member Increase Award
Purpose: Recognizes chapters that demonstrate exceptional membership growth during the year.
Eligibility: Automatically calculated based on membership records; no application required.
Submission Deadline: January 5
Program Award
Purpose: Recognizes chapters that provide exceptional continuing education programming for members.
Highlights:
● CEU-approved educational programs
● Clinical, administrative, and general education topics
● Promotes professional growth and lifelong learning
Submission Deadline: January 5
Publication Award
Purpose: Recognizes excellence in chapter newsletters and publications.
Highlights:
● Educational content
● Chapter news and activities
● Professional communication
● Design and originality
Submission Deadline: January 5
Chapter Engagement Award
Purpose: Recognizes chapters that actively engage members and support their communities.
Examples of Engagement:
● Community service projects
● Health fairs
● Membership recruitment
● Medical Assistant Recognition Week activities
● Social media outreach
Submission Deadline: January 5
Individual Member Awards
Mary S. Grubb Award
NCSMA's Highest Service Recognition
Purpose: Honors a member who has demonstrated outstanding meritorious service to NCSMA and the medical assisting profession. The award is rarely presented due to its rigorous qualifications.
Recognizes:
● Leadership at the local, state, and national levels
● Service to the profession
● Educational contributions
● Community involvement
Submission Deadline: TBD
Dr. Ruth Patterson Legacy Award
Purpose: Assists a first-time AAMA Conference attendee in gaining national leadership and professional development experience. The award honors Dr. Ruth Patterson, North Carolina's first Certified Medical Assistant and a founding leader of NCSMA.
Examples of Engagement:
● Active NCSMA member
● Current CMA (AAMA)
● First-time AAMA Conference attendee
● Demonstrated chapter and state involvement
Submission Deadline: January 5
Dr. Ruth Patterson Award Rules
MEMORIAL AWARDS
The following awards were established with the NCSMA Board of Directors' permission. The sponsoring party is solely responsible for the criteria, reviewing applications, and selecting the recipient.
Mary Moody Award
Sponsored By: Dr. Keith Smith
Purpose:
Established in 2000, the Mary Moody Award honors the memory and legacy of Mary Moody, a medical assistant known for her professionalism, compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Sponsored by Dr. Keith Smith, this award recognizes a North Carolina medical assistant who exemplifies the qualities Mary demonstrated throughout her career: a positive attitude, exceptional work ethic, genuine compassion for patients, and a willingness to go above and beyond in service to others.
Recipients of this award represent the best of the medical assisting profession through their commitment to teamwork, professionalism, dependability, and patient-centered care. The award celebrates those who make a lasting impact on patients, coworkers, and their communities through everyday acts of excellence and service.
Eligibility: Medical assistants practicing in North Carolina
Learn More / Apply:
Becky Keller Award
Sponsored By: Keller Family
Purpose:
Honors a North Carolina medical assistant who exemplifies compassion, mentorship, leadership, and service to patients and the profession. Sponsored by the Keller Family in memory of Becky Keller, CMA (AAMA), whose legacy continues to inspire medical assistants across the state.
Nomination Period: Annually prior to the NCSMA Annual Convention
Learn More / Apply:
Dr. Ruth Patterson Legacy Award
Purpose: Assists a first-time AAMA Conference attendee in gaining national leadership and professional development experience. The award honors Dr. Ruth Patterson, North Carolina's first Certified Medical Assistant and a founding leader of NCSMA.
Examples of Engagement:
● Active NCSMA member
● Current CMA (AAMA)
● First-time AAMA Conference attendee
● Demonstrated chapter and state involvement
Submission Deadline: January 5