New Brunswick-based health giant Johnson & Johnson is teaming up with Time magazine. Together, the partners will launch a new recognition program honoring healthcare professionals who make a difference for patients, colleagues and communities.

The Healthcare Champion of the Year award aims to spotlight physicians, nurses, advanced practice clinicians, surgeons, community health workers and other healthcare professionals whose leadership, innovation and perseverance help improve care delivery across the U.S.

J&J and a panel of industry experts will evaluate nominees based on three core themes: patient care, innovation and grit.

Judges will also consider how each applicant demonstrates measurable impact. They will consider influence through improving access to care, advancing clinical practices or strengthening healthcare systems in nominees’ communities.

The partners will announce the winner ahead of Time’s annual “A Year in Time” event in New York City this December.

The Healthcare Champion of the Year will also feature on the cover of a digital edition of Time magazine, as well as be the subject of a feature story. The honoree will participate in a Time-produced photo and video project, too, J&J said.

Delivering care

Local leaders

Take a look at NJBIZ’s most recent industry honorees:

• 2026 Health Care Heroes
• 2026 NJBIZ Health Care Power List

J&J Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs Vanessa Broadhurst said, “At Johnson & Johnson, Our Credo begins with our responsibility to patients, doctors, nurses and all others who use our medicines and medical technology. That responsibility guides how we show up for the people at the heart of care.”

“Healthcare professionals bring skill, compassion and resolve to some of the most important moments in people’s lives. With the Healthcare Champion of the Year Award, we proudly recognize those whose compassion, innovation, and grit are transforming patient care today and building a healthier tomorrow,” she said.

Nominees of any career stage can submit applications here through Aug. 28. Candidates can either self-nominate or nominated by someone else with their consent.

The Healthcare Champion of the Year award builds on J&J’s long-standing support of nurses and other healthcare professionals. Just a few of the initiatives designed to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve patient outcomes include:

• Nurse leadership fellowships
• Workforce retention programs
• Educational resources aimed at recruiting, training and retaining healthcare workers

[W]e proudly recognize those whose compassion, innovation, and grit are transforming patient care today and building a healthier tomorrow.
—Vanessa Broadhurst, executive vice president of global corporate affairs, J&J