By Ron-rin Yu
Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, Charles R. Drew professor of surgery and Howard University president, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today. He joins the 90 new regular and 10 new international members who were announced at today’s annual meeting.
According to today’s announcement from NAM, Dr. Frederick was chosen “for being a tireless and gifted higher education leader and health care administrator and world-renowned surgeon. As president of Howard University, he has worked to develop a diverse health care workforce while serving as an adviser to U.S. and international officials in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Election to 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.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to join this most august academy of individuals,” said Dr. Frederick. “The individuals in this academy have shaped medicine for decades. They represent the most compassionate and dedicated professionals. It is my sincere intent and hope to uphold their values and to contribute as they have to the advancement of medicine worldwide.”
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.
“This extraordinary class of new members is comprised of exceptional scholars and leaders who have been at the forefront of responding to serious public health challenges, combatting social inequities, and achieving innovative discoveries,” said Victor J. Dzau, president of NAM. “Their expertise will be vital to informing the future of health and medicine for the benefit of us all. I am truly honored to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine.”
