The Guy Rader Award is annually given in honor of excellent journalistic reporting in the field of health. The award is named in memory of Guy Rader MD (1920-1961) who was known for his special interest in the quality of medical information published, and who worked hard toward achieving this goal.

Dr. Rader was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and graduated from Albuquerque High School. He received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from Ohio State and practiced pediatrics in Albuquerque for 11 years. He was a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Chief of Staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque, and chairman of several committees of the New Mexico Medical Society. At the time of his death, he was president of the Bernalillo County Medical Association, now known as Greater Albuquerque Medical Association.

At the start of each new year, the NMMS Public Relations Committee solicits entries from statewide newspapers for a news story or series, or a column published between January 1 and December 31 of the prior year. Any number of reporters from an individual newspaper may enter the contest.

The Guy Rader Award carries a $500 cash prize.