Healthcare Champion of the Year
Recognizing the healthcare professionals shaping the future of health through grit, innovation and care
Johnson & Johnson and TIME are partnering to honor the individuals who are shaping health itself. For the first time, the Healthcare Champion of the Year, a branded award, recognizes a remarkable healthcare professional whose work is making a profound difference for patients, colleagues and communities. At a moment when healthcare systems are under unprecedented strain and evolution, this award recognizes what becomes possible when healthcare workers are supported and empowered to lead change where it matters most.
If you know a healthcare professional whose work reflects grit, innovation or extraordinary care—or if that story is your own—we encourage you to apply.
About the award
The Healthcare Champion of the Year honors an individual healthcare professional whose leadership and impact reflect the highest calling of the profession. Rooted in Johnson & Johnson’s Credo, the award exists to spotlight impact, not headlines, and to reinforce a simple truth: the future of healthcare depends on recognizing and elevating those who strengthen care for their teams and communities.
This inaugural recognition is open to healthcare professionals working actively with patients across roles, settings and stages of career, united by a shared commitment to improving care delivery in the United States.
This inaugural recognition is open to healthcare professionals working actively with patients across roles, settings and stages of career, united by a shared commitment to improving care delivery in the United States.
Award criteria
Nominees for the Healthcare Champion of the Year exemplify excellence across three core dimensions:
Grit
Demonstrated leadership, resilience and determination in pursuing solutions to complex health challenges, especially in the face of systems under strain.
Innovation
The ability to advance care through new approaches, systems improvement, science or technology—accelerating progress for patients, teams or communities.
Care
A deep commitment to patients and communities, reflected in compassion, trust and personalized care that transforms the patient experience.
Eligibility & employment
- Nominees must be currently employed in the United States and actively involved in clinical care or care delivery.
- Nominations are open to healthcare professionals across roles, including but not limited to: physicians, nurses, advanced practice clinicians, surgeons and community health workers.
- Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by a third party with consent.
- Prior to submission, nominees must complete any ethics and compliance review.
- J&J and TIME employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to be nominees or submit a nomination.
For more information on award criteria, visit here.
Timeline
The Healthcare Champion of the Year follows a clear, merit-based selection process led by a panel of industry experts culminating in an opportunity for recognition on one of TIME’s most visible global stages.
Call for submissions opens
July 16, 2026
Application deadline
August 28, 2026
Shortlist announcement
October 16, 2026
Healthcare Champion of the Year announced
Early December 2026
Healthcare Champion of the Year recognition at A Year in TIME Event
December 9, 2026 in New York City
The selected Healthcare Champion of the Year winner will be invited to attend A Year in TIME with one guest, with travel support provided by J&J as needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the TIME Healthcare Champion of the Year, in partnership with Johnson & Johnson?
The Healthcare Champion of the Year is a branded award that honors a healthcare professional whose work is making a meaningful difference for patients, colleagues and communities. The recognition celebrates leadership, innovation and care, especially in moments where healthcare systems are under pressure.
Who is behind the award?
The TIME Healthcare Champion of the Year, in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, will leverage TIME’s global platform and J&J’s long-standing commitment to supporting healthcare professionals.
Who is eligible to be nominated?
Nominees must:
- Be currently employed in the United States
- Be actively involved in healthcare or care delivery
- Work in roles such as physicians, nurses, advanced practice clinicians, surgeons, community health workers or similar care‑focused roles
Professionals at any stage of their career are eligible, as long as they are actively practicing.
Terms and conditions apply.