IAS British Academy Global Professor Ama de-Graft Aikins elected to US National Academy of Medicine

The Institute of Advanced Studies congratulates Professor Ama de-Graft Aikins, British Academy Global Professor at the IAS, on her election to the US National Academy of Medicine. Ama is with us for four years researching chronic illness representations, experiences and care, and on the social, cultural and health systems aspects of Africa's chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) burden.

More information from The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine:

‘Election to the U.S. National Academy of Medicine 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.

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.

“These newly elected members represent the most exceptional scholars and leaders whose remarkable work has advanced science, medicine, and health in the U.S. and around the globe,” said National Academy of Medicine President Victor J. Dzau. “Their expertise will be vital to addressing today’s most pressing health and scientific challenges and informing the future of health and medicine for the benefit of us all. I am honored to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine.”’

About the US National Academy of Medicine

The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organisation of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social and behavioural sciences, and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser to the US and the international community. Through its domestic and global initiatives, the NAM works to address critical issues in health, medicine and related policy and inspire positive action across sectors. The NAM collaborates closely with its peer academies and other divisions within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.