We are pleased to congratulate Sherine E. Gabriel, MD, MSc, president of Rush University and chief academic officer of Rush University System for Health as an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).
Widely considered as one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, NAM membership recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.
“This distinguished and diverse class of new members is a truly exceptional group of scholars and leaders whose expertise in science, medicine, health, and policy will be integral to helping the NAM address today’s most pressing health challenges and inform the future of health and health care for the benefit of everyone around the globe,” said National Academy of Medicine President Victor J. Dzau. “It is my privilege to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine.”
Gabriel was selected for her leadership in academic medicine and recognition for being an inspiring thought leader in research, clinical business development and educational innovation. Gabriel’s research has resulted in more than 250 original, peer-reviewed publications addressing the costs, determinants and outcomes of rheumatic diseases. Largely funded by the National Institutes of Health, her most recent research examined the risks and determinants of heart disease among rheumatoid arthritis patients.
“I am honored to share this recognition with such an august group of colleagues,” said Gabriel. “The mission of NAM resonates deeply with my own mission to improve health through scientific research and lead the development of future health care professionals, while ensuring health equity for all. I look forward to working together to advance the mission and values of the National Academy of Medicine.”
New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. A diversity of talent among NAM’s membership is assured by its Articles of Organization, which stipulate that at least one-quarter of the membership is selected from fields outside the health professions — for example, from such fields as law, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.
Established originally 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 and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities.
Gabriel, who became president of Rush University in February 2019, joins Kathleen Gainor Andreoli, DSN, RN, FAAN (elected 1972), Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Iris R. Shannon, PhD, RN (elected 1975), Rush University and K. Ranga Rama Krishnan, MB ChB (elected 2007), chief executive officer, Rush University System for Health as members of NAM.