On October 16, 2023, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the election of 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting, recognizing extraordinary contributions to the fields of health and medicine. This prestigious election is considered one of the highest honors, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and a commitment to service.
“I am deeply honored to welcome these extraordinary health and medicine leaders and researchers into the National Academy of Medicine,” remarked NAM President Victor J. Dzau. He emphasized that these individuals have shown excellence in tackling public health challenges, leading major discoveries, improving health care, advancing health policy, and addressing health equity, which will significantly enhance our collective ability to confront the most pressing health challenges of our time.
New members of NAM are elected by current members through a rigorous process that highlights individuals who have made substantial contributions to medical sciences, health care, and public health. The Academy ensures a diverse membership by stipulating in its Articles of Organization that at least one-quarter of its members come from fields outside the health professions, such as law, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. With the latest election, NAM's total membership has reached over 2,500, including more than 200 international members.
Originally established as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy, inspiring positive actions across various sectors. NAM collaborates with the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation, conduct research, and solve complex problems that inform public policy decisions.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also promote education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and enhance public understanding of STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine).
With their election, NAM members commit to volunteer their service in the activities of the National Academies. The newly elected regular members include leaders and innovators in various fields, each recognized for their remarkable contributions to health and medicine. Notably:
Omar Abdel-Wahab, MD - Pioneer in genetic causes of blood cancers and therapeutic development. Mohammed K. Ali, MD, MSc, MBA - Leader in diabetes care research and public health innovations. Andrea A. Anderson, MD, MEd - Advocate for underserved populations in family medicine. Aline Andres, PhD, RD, CLC - Researcher in maternal-child nutrition and health outcomes. Euan A. Ashley, MBChB, DPhil - Innovator in personalized medicine and genomics. Wanda Barfield, MD, MPH - Leader in reproductive health initiatives at the CDC. Joseph T. Bass, MD, PhD - Expert in circadian mechanisms and metabolic health.The newly elected international members, including Naeemah Abrahams from South Africa, Ibrahim Abubakar from the UK, and Jie He from China, highlight the global impact of NAM's mission. These members are recognized for their significant contributions to public health, epidemiology, and clinical care, addressing health challenges in diverse populations.
The election of these members emphasizes NAM's commitment to elevating leaders in health and medicine who are dedicated to making a difference worldwide. Their work not only advances scientific knowledge but also improves health outcomes for communities globally.
The National Academy of Medicine's latest election underscores the importance of recognizing excellence and innovation in the health and medicine sectors. As NAM continues to address critical health challenges, the newly elected members will play a vital role in shaping the future of health care and policy, fostering advancements that benefit society as a whole.
