(LA JOLLA, Calif. – Dec. 23, 2021) — The Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM) has announced its annual awards honoring three outstanding individuals for their contributions to the integrative health and medicine field. The honorees are: Daniel Friedland, MD, received the Lee Lipsenthal Lifetime Achievement Heart Award, which recognizes a pioneer in the industry who epitomizes AIHM’s core values – interprofessionalism, equity and love. Before his passing in November, Friedland was an internationally recognized thought leader, author, speaker, and coach, who focused on wellness and prevention. He was the founder and CEO of SuperSmartHealth and served as AIHM’s board president. Tracy Gaudet, MD, received the Visionary Award, which recognizes those who lead the way in delivering evidence-informed, comprehensive, affordable, and sustainable person-centered care. A recognized leader in the transformation of healthcare, Gaudet is currently the executive director for Whole Health Institute and previously served as the executive director of Duke Integrative Medicine and The University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. She was the founding executive director of the Veterans Health Administration’s National Office of Patient-Centered Care and Cultural Transformation. Additionally, she is a well-respected author and speaker, who was named one of the top 25 women in healthcare by Modern Healthcare and was featured as a “game changer” in Fortune Magazine. Louis Sportelli, DC, received the Change Maker Award, which recognizes those who have advanced the field of integrative health and medicine through activism, advocacy or policy change. A frequent lecturer, speaker and media spokesperson, he has dedicated his nearly 60-year career to chiropractic research and education. For the past four years, Sportelli has served as president of the NCMIC Foundation, a nonprofit research and education organization, and was previously the president of NCMIC Group, Inc., for two decades. “We are proud to honor these three distinguished professionals for their dedication to and accomplishments in the industry,” said AIHM Executive Director Tabatha Parker, ND. “Each one has played a vital role in the global advancement of integrative health and medicine.” About AIHM Founded in 1978, the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM) is the leading interprofessional organization for traditional, complementary and integrative health practitioners worldwide. In 2001, AIHM merged with the Academic Collaborative of Integrative Health (ACIH). Together, they are working to advance integrative health on a global scale and transform health and wellness through education, leadership, collaboration, research and advocacy. For more information, visit aihm.org or follow @aihmglobal on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.