National Academy of Medicine
Overview
The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is an independent, non-profit organization based in the United States. It is one of the three academies that make up the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), along with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The NAM operates under the congressional act of incorporation that established the NAS, signed in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln.
History
The National Academy of Medicine was initially established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The IOM was created as a component of the NAS to provide expert advice on issues related to biomedical science, medicine, and health. In 2015, the IOM was rechartered as the National Academy of Medicine, becoming the third academy of the NASEM.
Membership
Membership in the NAM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. The NAM elects no more than 70 regular members and 10 international members annually. As of 2020, the NAM has more than 2,200 members, including professionals from a wide variety of health-related fields.
Function
The NAM serves as a national resource for independent, scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on health issues. It provides unbiased, evidence-based, and authoritative information and advice concerning health and science policy to policymakers, professionals, leaders in every sector of society, and the public at large.
Activities
The NAM conducts a broad range of activities and initiatives that provide insight and evidence to guide health policy and action. These include consensus studies, convening activities, and other programs related to health and science policy. The NAM also administers a number of awards and fellowships to support the next generation of leaders in health and medicine.
Impact
The NAM has had a significant impact on health and medicine in the United States and globally. Its reports and recommendations have shaped policies, standards, and practices, and have drawn attention to neglected issues and areas of emerging importance.