Edwin L. Zalneraitis, MD, of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, has received the John C. Gienapp Distinguished Service Award, one of the 2027 awards from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recognizing contributions to graduate medical education.  The Gienapp award honors individuals who have dedicated their careers to graduate medical education and made outstanding contributions to residency and fellowship education and ACGME accreditation activities.

Zalneraitis directed the pediatrics residency program at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine for nearly 35 years. He also held leadership roles as assistant dean for clinical education and director of education at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.  Nationally, he served as president of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors and contributed to the National Resident Matching Program and the ACGME, where he served on the Review Committee for Pediatrics and the Board of Directors.

The 2027 ACGME Awards also recognize designated institutional officials, program directors, coordinators, programs, institutions, organizations, residents and fellows. Dr. Debra Weinstein, president and chief executive officer of the ACGME, said: “The 2027 ACGME Award recipients exemplify the excellence, leadership, and dedication that drive graduate medical education forward. Through their contributions, they strengthen graduate medical education, inspire the next generation of physicians, and help shape the future of the profession.”

A board-certified pediatric neurologist, Zalneraitis has authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications and is currently professor emeritus of pediatrics and neurology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.