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Many health care positions are considered among the nation’s “best jobs,” according to U.S. News & World Report. But the industry also faces myriad challenges – with a shortage of workers at the top of that list.

What better way, then, to recognize those who give their all to the profession than by nominating them for an NJBIZ Health Care Heroes award? This program was created to recognize excellence, promote innovation and honor the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care in New Jersey.

For 2026, NJBIZ has added four new categories to celebrate even more professionals and practices.

New for this year:

• Advanced Practice Providers: Honors physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other licensed advanced clinicians whose exemplary care, leadership and patient impact elevate the standard of health care in New Jersey
• Dental Care: Honors exemplary practices that offer general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontal services, periodontal services, oral surgery, etc. — the clinics responsible for diagnosis, treatment and advanced patient care
• Pharmaceutical Professionals: Honors leaders involved in drug development, testing, regulation or patient care — including pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and other key contributors to bringing safe and effective medicines to patients
• Rehabilitation Therapy: Honors practices that have shown success in implementing or innovating a new product or service or have helped advance the rehab therapy profession in general. Includes physical rehabilitation, speech & communication rehabilitation, cognitive or neurorehabilitation

“We added even more categories this year because we wanted this awards program to reflect how the industry continues to grow in order to care for New Jersey residents across specialties,” said NJBIZ Associate Publisher and General Manager AnnMarie Karczmit. “There’s no better way to show your appreciation for your employees and peers than by nominating them for this award.”

Past recognition

Meet the 2025 NJBIZ Health Care Heroes here.

These new fields join our traditional award categories:

• Health Care Professionals
• Education
• Innovation
• Nursing
• Physicians
• Public Health
• Volunteer
• Workplace Wellness
• Mental Health
• Ambulatory Health Care

All honorees will be recognized at an in-person award ceremony and networking event. They will also receive a profile in the event supplement, a desktop award, a ticket to the award ceremony and more.

Read the award eligibility requirements here. Don’t delay: The nomination deadline is March 29.