CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta, M.D., was recognized Feb. 18, 2021 with the National Press Foundation’s Chairman’s Citation for his tireless and distinguished coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020.

“Sanjay Gupta’s ability to translate the complexity, nuance and art of medicine to make it understandable for a broad audience has made him the nation’s doctor,” said National Press Foundation Chair Donna Leinwand Leger.

The Chairman’s Citation is awarded at the sole discretion of the National Press Foundation chair. It recognizes individuals whose accomplishments fall outside the traditional categories of excellence but who nevertheless have a profound impact on journalism.

As COVID-19 bore down on the United States, bring a host of uncertainty and fear, Dr. Gupta became a constant on-air presence, explain every development and sorting science from rumor without hyperbole. His clear, matter-of-fact reporting, impeccable research and willingness to concede that neither he nor medicine yet had all the answers only enhanced his credibility.

Last year, the citation went to Charles Sennott and Steve Waldman, co-founders of Report for America. Previous winners include New York Times Washington Bureau Chief Elisabeth Bumiller, Washington Post sports columnist Sally Jenkins, and the late two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anthony Shadid.

Gupta and the other National Press Foundation award winners were honored during a virtual awards ceremony. Here is his acceptance speech:

More details about the NPF Awards Celebration are here.