Established in 2008, the MFBD honours the legacy of Miriam Friedman Ben-David, a pioneering leader in medical education.
It recognises AMEE members who have made significant contributions as new educators within the field of health professions education (HPE) at a local, regional, national, or international level, with a specific focus on the area of Health Professions teaching.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2026 Miriam Friedman Ben-David Award
Dr. João António da Silva Nunes (Portugal)
Coordinator of the Biomedical Education Office – ICBAS at the University of Porto
João’s engagement with medical education began during his undergraduate years and has continued to evolve alongside his clinical and academic career.
This sustained commitment is a hallmark of future educational leaders.
The Committee particularly appreciated that João’s achievements already reflect a coherent educational vision and significant institutional influence, while recognising that his future contributions are likely to extend even further as his educational scholarship continues to mature.
Another aspect that particularly distinguished João’s application was his ability to create sustainable educational structures rather than isolated initiatives.
João’s vision of promoting interdisciplinary education through the development of a ‘Biomedical Education Office’ grounded in the ‘One Health Framework’ represents an innovative institutional model at ICBAS (Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar da Universidade do Porto).
Dr. Komal Atta (Pakistan – representing less-resourced countries)
Director in the Department of Medical Education at University Medical and Dental College at The University of Faisalabad
The MFBD Award Committee was deeply impressed by the breadth, originality and impact of Komal’s contributions to Health Professions Education.
Komal’s application demonstrated an outstanding commitment to professional growth as a Health Professions Educator, together with an exceptional record of achievement.
The Committee was particularly impressed not only by the scale of Komal’s achievements, but also by what those achievements represent within the context in which they were accomplished.
Komal’s ability to build educational excellence despite significant structural constraints reflects exceptional resilience, determination and leadership.
Particularly impressive was Komal’s ability to translate educational theory into meaningful educational change at institutional, national and international levels, despite working in a resource-constrained environment.
Congratulations to both João and Komal on this outstanding achievement!
