AMA Foundation Honors Music for Autism’s Executive Director for Outstanding Leadership in Medicine
American Medical Association Foundation, posted March 17, 2009.
(Chicago) – Robert Accordino, MSc, has been named a recipient of the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation’s 2009 Leadership Award. This award provides medical students, residents/fellows and early career physicians from around the country with training to develop their skills as future leaders in organized medicine and community affairs.
The AMA Foundation honored 30 individuals with the award at its annual Excellence in Medicine Awards ceremony on March 9 in Washington D.C. Presented in association with Pfizer, Inc, award recipients are recognized for demonstrating outstanding non-clinical leadership skills in advocacy, community service and education.
“Through actions such as leading a free clinic, changing health policy, conducting cutting-edge research and volunteering on a global level, these men and women have shown tremendous potential for joining the next generation of medical leaders,” said Jean Howard, President of the AMA Foundation. “I am confident that these outstanding individuals will provide the necessary leadership to improve health care delivery in our country.”
Accordino, a medical student at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in psychology and certificates in music and theatre. Originally from Briarcliff Manor, New York, Accordino is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and holds a Master’s of Science in experimental psychology from Oxford University, where he was supported by Fulbright and Rotary Ambassadorial scholarships. During medical school, Accordino founded and served as Executive Director for Music for Autism, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the quality of life, education and clinical care of individuals with autism, particularly those in underserved areas.
For his work with the charity’s sister organization in the United Kingdom, Accordino was honored by Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, for his service to individuals with autism and their families. He has served as his class’ representative on the executive curriculum committee and founded the Class of 2010 Clinical Medical Education Focus Group at Mount Sinai. At Princeton, he served as chair of the student health advisory board. Accordino hopes to pursue a career in academic pediatrics with a focus on advocacy, clinical research and medical education.
“From his entry into Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Robert has invested tremendous energy in improving the quality of the education and the reputation of our school,” said Erica Friedman, MD, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, who nominated Accordino for the award. “Robert has the energy, insight, critical thinking skills and global view that will allow him to address important issues in medical education.”
As the philanthropic arm of the American Medical Association, the AMA Foundation is committed to supporting programs in medical education and public health. For more information, please visit www.amafoundation.org or call (312) 464-4200.
