Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest award of the Society, presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and achievements in the field of rheumatology.
Nominations
Each spring, the OAR Board of Directors opens the nomination process for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations may be submitted only by current OAR members.
Members are encouraged to nominate individuals whose outstanding contributions have advanced the field of rheumatology and improved patient care. Nominations must include at least one letter of recommendation describing the nominee’s achievements and impact on the profession. Submission materials may be provided to any member of the OAR Board of Directors or to the OAR office.
All nominations remain active and will be retained for future consideration. The Board reviews and reconsiders eligible nominations annually, approximately three to four months prior to the OAR Annual Meeting.
Latest Recipient 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award — Michael Henrickson, MD, MPH, RhMSUS Michael Henrickson, MD, MPH, RhMSUS (1959 – 2025), led a distinguished career in pediatric rheumatology with an unwavering dedication to patient care. Dr. Henrickson has been a cornerstone Throughout his career, Dr. Henrickson held numerous esteemed positions, including Medical Director and founding physician of the Pediatric Arthritis Center in Madera, CA, Clinical Director at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and Clinical Director at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. At the time of recognition, served as a staff pediatric rheumatologist and Telemedicine Director at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Henrickson’s contributions to the field are vast and impactful. He has been peer-selected for "Best Doctors in America" and "Castle Connolly Top Doctor” multiple times, reflecting his peers’ recognition of his excellence in clinical care. His research has led to advancements in understanding and treating pediatric rheumatic diseases, with numerous publications in high-impact journals. Notably, Dr Henrickson was often charged to evaluate the most complex cases, given his outstanding clinical acumen and attention to even the smallest details. He was also a dedicated mentor, guiding the next generation of pediatric rheumatologists. His lectures and bedside teaching are stellar. He always made a point to see the larger implication of a medical problem for the larger society and their impact on public health at large. His commitment to advocacy is evident through his work with the Arthritis Foundation, the American College of Rheumatology and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Henrickson was instrumental in addressing the pediatric rheumatology workforce crisis, advocating for policy changes to improve patient care access, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Henrickson’s military service further exemplifies his dedication and leadership. As a senior physician and ranking officer during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, he provided critical medical support to thousands of soldiers close to the battle fields, demonstrating his resilience and unparalleled commitment to service. Outside of his medical work, Michael Henrickson was much engaged in the religious community in Cincinnati and dedicated to improving poverty in the community and furthering humanity at large. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to pediatric rheumatology, his dedication to patient care, and his leadership in advocacy and education, the Ohio Association of Rheumatology is proud Past Recipients 2024: Sterling Hedrick, MD, FACR 2023: Stanley Ballou, MD 2022: Edward Herzig, MD, FACP, MACR 2021: Ronald Whisler, MD 2020: Gloria Higgins, PhD, MD 2019: Joseph Flood, MD, MACR, FACP 2018: John Clough, MD, MS, FACP, FACR 2017: Gary Hoffman, MD, MS, MACR 2016: Roland Moskowitz, MD 2015: Muhammad Asim Khan, MD, FRCP, MACP, MACR 2014: Irving Kushner, MD 2013: Evelyn (Howett) Hess, MD, MACP, MACR |