Medical Society of Virginia Foundation Announces 2026 Shapiro-Konerding Women in Medicine Leadership Award Recipient
Richmond, Va. (Oct. 20, 2026) — The Medical Society of Virginia Foundation (MSVF) is proud to announce that Jaclyn B. Wiggins, MD of Charlottesville has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Shapiro-Konerding Women in Medicine Leadership Award, which recognizes women physicians demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, mentorship, and service to medicine.
Dr. Wiggins serves as Interim Associate Pediatric Residency Program Director, Associate Fellowship Program Director in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia.
“Dr. Wiggins exemplifies the vision of the Shapiro-Konerding Women in Medicine Leadership Fund through her exceptional integration of patient care, medical education, and systems-level leadership,” said the award selection committee. “Her work to advance competency-based assessment, curriculum transformation, and AI-enabled precision education is shaping the future of physician training while improving outcomes for both learners and patients.”
A recognized leader in medical education, Dr. Wiggins has led initiatives focused on improving trainee development and performance, including NIH- and AMA-supported projects and innovative feedback systems designed to enhance clinical reasoning and learner growth. Colleagues and trainees consistently recognize her collaborative leadership style, outstanding teaching, and dedication to fostering learning environments that balance high expectations with psychological safety.
“Dr. Wiggins has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising leaders in academic medicine,” said Jonathan Swanson, MD, MSc, MBA, Professor of Pediatrics, Chief Quality Officer for Children’s Services, and Director of the Division of Neonatology at the University of Virginia. “She combines visionary thinking with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of physicians. Her innovations are transforming medical education, and her mentorship is making a lasting impact on trainees and colleagues alike.”
Dr. Wiggins is a member of the Medical Society of Virginia and is actively involved with the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative, where she contributes to the organization’s peri-viability project.
About the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation
The MSV Foundation (MSVF) advances opportunities for physicians to participate in health improvement efforts in Virginia by supporting programs and initiatives that equip physicians to best serve themselves, their patients and their communities. For more information, visit www.msv.org/foundation.
