National Academy of Medicine

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), known as the Institute of Medicine until 2015, is an American nonprofit, non-governmental organization. It was created by and mostly funded by the US government. The National Academy of Medicine is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, along with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).

It operates outside the framework of the United States federal government. The Academy relies on a volunteer workforce of scientists and other experts. These experts work under a formal peer-review system to ensure the quality of their research and recommendations.

As a national academy, the organization elects new members each year. Existing members help choose the new members. The election is based on the person's achievements in their field and their willingness to actively participate in the Academy's work. This process helps keep the Academy strong and respected.

History

The institute was founded in 1970, under the congressional charter of the National Academy of Sciences as the Institute of Medicine.

In 2015, it was renamed the National Academy of Medicine, marking a new chapter in its history.

Presidents

The National Academy of Medicine has had many leaders over the years. Each leader works to guide the group and help it make important decisions about health and science. These leaders are chosen for their knowledge and experience, and they help the Academy stay strong and helpful to everyone.

The Academy’s leaders have included many smart and careful people who have helped shape health rules and ideas in the United States and around the world.

Overview

The National Academies aim to give clear, balanced answers to important questions for the nation. They use groups of expert scientists who volunteer their time. These groups are carefully chosen to ensure they have the right skills and to avoid any unfair influences. Every report they create is checked by other experts before it is shared.

Many of these studies are paid for by the government, but private companies, foundations, and state governments also help fund them. The reports are free to read online. The academy honors members who are chosen for their achievements and who agree to help with important health issues. Each year, only a limited number of new members can join, including some from outside the United States.

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is known for giving advice on health and medicine that many people trust.

NAM Perspectives

NAM also publishes a weekly periodical called NAM Perspectives. It features articles by experts on health, medicine, science, and policy. These articles share ideas and strategies in a way that many people can understand.

Awards

The National Academy of Medicine gives out an award called the Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health, or the Sarnat Prize, every year. This prize started in 1992 and is given to people, groups, or organizations that have done great work in making mental health better. Winners also get a special medal and $20,000.

Notable members, past and present

The National Academy of Medicine includes many influential scientists and medical experts. Some notable members are Harold Amos, a microbiologist, and Nancy Andrews, Dean of Duke University School of Medicine. Elizabeth Blackburn, a biologist, won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering telomerase.

Other prominent members include Francis Collins, who led the Human Genome Project, and Anthony Fauci, recognized for improving public health and leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. The list also features pioneers in various medical fields such as David Ho in HIV treatment and Mario Molina, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on CFCs.