Riley Children’s Health was recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal with four honors in the 2026 Excellence in Health Care Awards. These recognitions highlight the organization’s work across research, clinical leadership, prevention and community-based care, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting children and families.
Every day at Riley Children’s Health, our teams show up with one shared purpose: to care for children and support families when it matters most. That commitment was recently recognized in a meaningful way, as the Indianapolis Business Journal honored Riley Children’s with four recognitions in its 2026 Excellence in Health Care Awards.
This year’s recognitions span research, clinical leadership, prevention, and community-based care. Together, they reflect how Riley Children’s brings together leading physicians, researchers, and partners to move pediatric care forward, from breakthrough treatments and critical care to mental health support and family education.
Expanding Treatment Options for Rare Conditions: D. Wade Clapp, MD
D. Wade Clapp, MD, chair of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and physician-in-chief at Riley Children’s, was recognized for his groundbreaking work to improve care for children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
NF1 is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow along nerves throughout the body which can lead to hearing loss, swollen eyes, and changes in the size of arms and legs. For many years, treatment options were limited.
Through years of research bridging basic science and clinical care, Dr. Clapp contributed to the development and clinical validation of targeted treatments designed to shrink or control NF1-related tumors. This work has led to new medication options and improved quality of life for children with NF1 nationally and globally.
Saving Lives Through Preparedness: Project ADAM Indiana
Project ADAM Indiana, launched by Riley Children’s Health, was recognized for its work preparing schools across the state to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. Led by pediatric electrophysiologist Dr. Adam Kean, injury prevention coordinator Nick Hogan, and community partner and educator Tonya Aerts, the program equips schools with training, emergency response plans and hands‑on drills so staff and students are ready to act before emergency responders arrive.
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and when it does, every second is critical. Project ADAM Indiana is helping schools across the state prepare for these critical moments.
The program focuses on confidence as much as preparation, empowering people to step in and help when sudden cardiac arrest emergencies occur. With dozens of schools already designated as Heart Safe, and more in progress, the program reflects Riley’s commitment to prevention and community safety, helping create safer environments for children and peace of mind for families throughout Indiana.
Compassion and Innovation in Critical Care: Riad Lutfi, MD
Riad Lutfi, MD, medical director of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Riley Children’s, was recognized for his leadership in caring for some of the hospital’s most medically complex patients. His leadership reflects the strength of Riley’s cardiovascular and high-acuity critical care programs, where advanced medicine and coordinated team-based care are essential.
Dr. Lutfi is known for combining advanced technology with deeply compassionate care. He emphasizes teamwork, open communication and partnership with families to ensure that every medical decision is guided by both clinical expertise and the long-term needs of each child.
Colleagues credit his leadership with advancing outcomes while fostering a culture where every voice matters. For families, that translates to expert care delivered with empathy, clarity and confidence during some of the most critical moments of their child’s care.
Supporting Student Athletes Beyond the Field: Elaine Gilbert, PsyD
Elaine Gilbert, PsyD, pediatric psychologist at Riley Children’s Health, was recognized for her work integrating mental health education directly into the student athletic environment, helping student athletes build mental resilience that supports success in sports, school and life.
Through a collaborative program at Arsenal Technical High School, Dr. Gilbert works alongside coaches and staff to guide student athletes through an 8-week curriculum covering stress management, emotional regulation and confidence‑building.
By normalizing conversations about mental health and making support part of everyday routines, this program helps students navigate pressure, on and off the field, and lays the foundation for long‑term mental wellness.
Educating Families and Protecting Infants: The Safe Sleep Program
Terri Reed was recognized for her volunteer contributions to the Riley Hospital for Children Safe Sleep Program, which provides families with clear, evidence-based guidance to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant injury and death.
New parents often receive a flood of advice, and it can be hard to know what truly matters. Through the Safe Sleep Program, Riley helps families navigate those early days with consistent education that prioritizes infant safety and systemwide family education.
Through bedside conversations and practical demonstrations from dedicated volunteers like Terri Reed, families learn how to create a safe sleep environment for their newborns before leaving the hospital.
The program has reached thousands of families and is credited with reaching 1,300 patients in the last 22 months, offering reassurance to parents and protection for babies during a critical and vulnerable stage of infancy.
Three Decades of Healing and Listening: Madeline Zieger, PA‑C
Madeline Zieger, PA‑C, was recognized for more than three decades of caring for children and families recovering from burn injuries.
As a physician assistant in the ABA-verified burn center at Riley Hospital for Children, Zieger has dedicated her career to helping patients heal both physically and emotionally through complex treatment journeys. Burn care often requires multiple surgeries, long‑term follow‑up and ongoing rehabilitation, and families may spend months, or even years, returning for care. Through it all, Zieger serves as a steady and trusted presence.
Her approach goes beyond clinical treatment. Zieger is known for taking time to explain procedures clearly, answer questions, and ensure families feel heard and supported. She recognizes that every patient arrives with fears and uncertainties, and she prioritizes listening, making a true difference in a family’s experience.
One Mission, Many Ways to Make an Impact
While each of these recognitions highlights a different person or program, they all reflect the same promise: to care for children, support families and strengthen communities.
From preparing schools for emergencies to advancing critical care, supporting mental health and educating parents, Riley Children’s team members are working together every day to improve lives across Indiana.
To learn more about those recognized in this year’s awards, read more at the Indianapolis Business Journal.
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