The Association of American Medical Colleges has named Maria L. Soto-Greene, professor and executive vice dean at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, one of five recipients of the 2025 AAMC ACE Award for Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education.
Established in 2023, the award recognizes individuals who partner with the nation’s medical schools, academic health systems, and teaching hospitals to advance the health of patients, families, and communities across the country. Dr. Soto-Greene is the only woman professor in this year’s cohort.
At Rutgers, Dr. Soto-Greene has held progressive leadership roles, evolving from director of medical intensive care units, associate dean for special programs, senior associate dean for education, vice dean, and her current position as executive vice dean. She also currently serves as director of the medical school’s Hispanic Center of Excellence.
When she began her career at Rutgers, Dr. Soto-Greene focused her work on the care of critically ill patients, specifically the significance of physician-patient communication and the impact of patients on their loved ones. Now, she centers her efforts on undergraduate medical education, faculty affairs, professional development, and accreditation, as well as creating opportunities for medical students from educational and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Outside of Rutgers, Dr. Soto-Greene is a leader in the broader field of medical education. She is a past chair of AAMC’s Group on Diversity and Inclusion and a past president of the Hispanic-Serving Health Professions Schools.
Dr. Soto-Greene received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Douglass College and her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine. Later in her career, she earned a master’s degree in health professions education from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston.