The Institute of Medicine (IOM), now known as the National Academy of Medicine, is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the United States. This institution was established to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation on issues related to health and medicine.
History
- Foundation: The IOM was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences as a response to a Congressional request to enhance the nation's capacity for health policy advice.
- Rename: In 2015, the IOM was renamed to the National Academy of Medicine to better reflect its role and to align with its sister academies in engineering and science.
Role and Functions
The Institute of Medicine has several key functions:
- Advisory Reports: It issues reports that influence policy decisions in health care, research, public health, and biomedical science. These reports often serve as a foundation for legislative and regulatory changes.
- Research: The IOM conducts studies on critical health issues, often at the request of Congress, federal agencies, or other entities.
- Education and Outreach: It organizes workshops, symposia, and roundtable discussions to disseminate information and foster discussion among stakeholders in the medical community.
- Membership: Membership in the IOM/NAM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions.
Notable Contributions
- The IOM/NAM has published influential reports like "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" (1999), which highlighted the issue of medical errors, and "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care" (2002), addressing disparities in health care.
Leadership
The leadership of the IOM/NAM includes:
- President: The president oversees the institute's activities, with Victor J. Dzau serving as the current president since 2014.
- Council: The governing body, composed of elected members, who guide the institute's strategic direction and policy.
External Links
Related Topics