WASHINGTON -- The Institute of Medicine today announced the names of 65 new members, raising its total active membership to 1,501. In addition, the Institute honored five individuals by election to foreign associate membership, bringing the total members in that category to 82. With another 68 members holding emeritus status, the total IOM membership is now 1,651.

"It is a great pleasure to welcome these distinguished and influential individuals to the Institute of Medicine," said IOM President Harvey V. Fineberg. "Members are elected through a highly selective process that recognizes people who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. Election is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of medicine and health."

Current active members elect new members from among candidates nominated for their professional achievement and commitment to service. An unusual diversity of talent is assured by the Institute's charter, which stipulates that at least one-quarter of the membership be selected from outside the health professions, from such fields as the natural, social, and behavioral sciences, as well as law, administration, engineering, and the humanities.

The Institute of Medicine is unique for its structure as both an honorific membership organization and an advisory organization. Established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute has become recognized as a national resource for independent, scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on issues related to human health. With their election, members make a commitment to devote a significant amount of volunteer time as members of IOM study committees.

Studies from the Institute completed in the past year include THE FUTURE OF DRUG SAFETY: PROMOTING AND PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC, an agenda for addressing the vulnerabilities that have hindered the optimal functi
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Contact: Christine Stencel
news@nas.edu
202-334-2138
The National Academies
9-Oct-2006