Emeritus professor Ron Paul earns American Academy of Pediatrics Jim Seidel Distinguished Service Award

Lifetime achievement award honors top pediatric emergency medicine physicians in the country

University of Louisville (UofL) School of Medicine pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) emeritus professor Ron Paul has received the Jim Sidel Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). As the highest honor bestowed by the AAP Section on Emergency Medicine, the award recognizes individuals whose lifetime achievements have significantly advanced the field of pediatric emergency medicine through contributions at every level of the profession.

Before retiring in 2024, Paul served 33 years with UofL developing the pediatric emergency medicine program as the division chief of pediatric emergency medicine for 25 years, and eight years as the School of Medicine vice dean of faculty affairs and advancement. On the clinical side, he was the medical director of Norton Children’s Hospital emergency department for 14 years. Among his top accomplishments include establishing the pediatric emergency medicine fellowship program. 

He launched UofL’s PEM fellowship program in 1991 which has grown from accepting one applicant a year to five, graduating more than 50 since its inception. In addition to building the program for UofL, Paul also started Cincinnati Children’s program in 1988. He is also well-known for launching the triennial "Pediatric Quiz Bowl" where he incorporated his signature sense of humor and extensive medical and pop culture knowledge into organizing, writing questions and hosting the beloved jeopardy-style event that puts faculty against residents 

“The impact he made on the Department of Pediatrics, the School of Medicine and pediatric emergency care across the region will continue to be felt in the decades to come,” said Michelle Stevenson, vice dean of faculty affairs and advancement, and pediatric emergency medicine physician. “He set an amazing example through his leadership and dedication to his patients. The number of faculty he trained, recruited, mentored and sponsored is too many to count. He is a humble, compassionate and dedicated colleague that brings a calm sense of purpose to every setting. We were so happy to celebrate with Ron as he received his award at the 2026 national AAP conference.” 

The award is dedicated in honor of the achievements of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and UCLA School of Medicine’s Dr. Jim Seidel. Seidel also tirelessly advocated for improving the emergency care of children at every level.  

About the University of Louisville Department of Pediatrics: The University of Louisville (UofL) Department of Pediatrics, part of UofL’s School of Medicine, aims to provide inclusive excellence in clinical care, medical education, pediatric research and community advocacy to meet the health-related needs of children. The faculty are researchers who explore innovation in pediatric medicine, serve on local, regional and national committees and organizations while helping set standards of care and formulate new models of treatment. They are educators, focused on training the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. In addition, our faculty serves as pediatricians who provide services of Kentucky and the region through our affiliation with Norton Children's Hospital. For more information, visit the department website.