09/23/2025
The Marsha Raulerson Advocacy Award honors a pediatrician from AL-AAP for exceptional service to children's health through advocacy for better policies at various levels. Established in 2011, it is named after Dr. Marsha Raulerson, who has dedicated over 40 years to community pediatrics and effective advocacy for children's programs in Alabama.
This year’s recipient is Dr. Nola Jean Ernest, MD, PhD, FAAP, who has a heart for advocacy that is matched only by her energy, warmth, and fierce dedication to doing what’s right for children and families, and just like Dr. Raulerson herself, Dr. Ernest is the kind of pediatrician who shows up—always—with a smile, a solution, and a way to bring others along with her.
She has been an active and vital member of the Alabama Chapter-AAP for well over a decade. She currently serves as Immediate Past President, following an impactful term as President, and many years of service before that on the Executive Board, the Legislative Committee (which she’s chaired since 2016), and in national AAP leadership roles as well.
One of Dr. Ernest’s superpowers is making advocacy feel possible—even fun—for people who might otherwise be intimidated by the process. Whether it’s talking with legislators or speaking out in the media, she helps colleagues find their own advocacy style and breaks advocacy down into small, actionable pieces that offer a variety of entry points so that pediatricians of all personalities and interests can find their own voice. She’s been a bold voice in legislative spaces, challenging unfair systems like reimbursement disparities. She doesn’t back down—but she does bring people in, always with an open mind and kind heart.
For her leadership, courage, creativity, and infectious advocacy spirit, we can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Marsha Raulerson Advocacy Award than Dr. Nola Jean Ernest.
Enterprise Pediatric Clinic
