Each year the neonatal team nominates and then votes on individuals for the Neonatology and Newborn Medicine Excellence Award. The Neonatology and Newborn Medicine Excellence Award goes to an individual who promotes the optimal care of newborns by advancing and supporting education, research, quality improvement, and overall clinical care.
This individual promotes multidisciplinary teamwork amongst all providers, nurses, staff, neonatal patients, and their families and is seen as a leader by others while working in a collaborative effort to promote excellence in patient care.
We love our multidisciplinary team and are grateful for all that they do for our neonatal patients and team!
2026 Neonatology Excellence Award Winner: Carla Griffin, Executive Director, Pregnancy & Newborn Care
The Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery congratulates Carla Griffin, Executive Director, Pregnancy & Newborn Care, as the winner of the 2026 Neonatology and Newborn Medicine Excellence Award. For years, Carla’s leadership has improved the care of neonates, both in the Newborn Nursery and in the NICU. Carla’s support for advancing clinical care through the use of new technology and improving guidelines, supporting neonatal research, and ensuring hospital support for birthing parents and families of newborns has led to continued improved care in our programs. With her deserving retirement back in February 2026, she left the UPH-Meriter/AFCH newborn programs in a strong position for continued growth and continuing to improve the care we provide. Thank you Carla for all of your years of hard work.
Nominees
Past Award Winners
2025
Julie Rice, RN (charge RN)
Meriter NICU
2024
2023
2022
