Dr. Norman F. Gant Jr., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and Dr. Eric Olson, chairman of molecular biology, were named today to the prestigious organization charged with addressing national health issues.

Gant and Olson bring the total number of UT Southwestern faculty members inducted into the institute to 16. UT Southwestern has more IOM members currently on faculty than any other Texas medical institution.

Members of the Institute of Medicine shape policies affecting public health and advise the federal government on issues involving medical care, research and education. Selection is based on international distinction in science, clinical medicine, public health or medical administration. Inductees are elected by incumbent members.

"We are extremely pleased that two of UT Southwestern's most accomplished and recognized researchers have earned this distinction," said Dr. Kern Wildenthal, president of UT Southwestern and also a member of the Institute of Medicine. "Dr. Olson and Dr. Gant set a great example for the scientific community and are role models for other researchers. They will make positive, far-reaching contributions to the Institute of Medicine."

Gant is a director on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has served as the board's executive director since 1993. He has written numerous scientific papers on fetal development and pregnancy complications, particularly pregnancy-induced hypertension. Gant also developed a simple diagnostic test for this disorder, a potentially lethal condition that can cause death or injury to developing infants and imperil the health of the mother. He has been named by Good Housekeeping magazine and The Best Doctors in America as one of the top doctors fo
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Contact: Susan Morrison
Susan.Morrison@UTSouthwestern.edu
214-648-3404
UT Southwestern Medical Center
15-Oct-2001