National Academy of Medicine

Organization

Definition: A nonprofit, independent organization that provides objective, evidence-based advice on science, medicine, public health, and well-being to inform policy and improve health outcomes in the United States and globally.

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is a prestigious, independent, nonprofit organization in the United States that provides expert advice on health, medicine, and biomedical science. It was established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and became the National Academy of Medicine in 2015, joining the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.

NAM aims to provide unbiased, accurate, and authoritative information to aid professionals, government officials, and the general public in making accurate, well-informed decisions related to their health, well-being, healthcare management, and healthcare policy. The information provided by the NAM is evidence-based, meaning that it is rooted in current peer-reviewed research and expert consensus. NAM’s recommendations are widely respected and used by policymakers, hospitals, researchers, and international organizations.

The NAM conducts many consensus studies and expert panel reports every year. These projects often begin as Congressional mandates or are initiated by federal agencies, independent organizations, philanthropic foundations, or the NAM itself. The NAM's independence from government agencies allows it to report findings transparently, including on sensitive or controversial issues, while remaining impartial advisers to professionals, political leaders, and government officials.

Study topics are always health-related, focusing on the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on the health of the general population or specific groups, as well as the delivery and effectiveness of healthcare. They include a broad range of subtopics surrounding issues such as vaccination, infectious disease, nutrition and obesity, public health, occupational hazards, climate-related health risks, and health equity. The goal of these studies is often to provide the evidence needed to inform or improve government healthcare policies and practices to promote individual, national, and global health. The NAM frequently advises Congress and federal agencies on pressing health topics in addition to releasing reports of their findings that are accessible to the general public, healthcare providers, and professionals through open-access platforms.

The NAM holds a yearly meeting at which the current president of the NAM gives an address on current, important health issues. This meeting is also published in a formal report with supplemental, pertinent information yearly. In addition, the NAM regularly publishes NAM Perspectives, a commentary series that provides expert insight on emerging issues. The organization also offers interactive resources, webinars, and special publications to inform stakeholders about recent work and its role in healthcare delivery and policy.

The NAM follows the strict set of policies and procedures of the National Academies for membership selection and the study process to ensure it presents an impartial, scientific, and expert viewpoint. Every year, the organization admits up to ninety new members, including up to ten international members, who must be elected based on their demonstrated achievements and recognized excellence in their field. Experts are chosen from healthcare and natural science fields as well as applicable related professions such as social sciences, law, engineering, and the humanities. Membership is voluntary and without compensation but is a highly honorific position that establishes a recipient as among the top in their area of expertise.

Each study is conducted by a committee of members selected to provide the required knowledge without presenting conflicts of interest. In addition to expertise, an effort is made to select committee members with a wide range of perspectives in order to provide as balanced an examination of the subject as possible. This includes bringing in experts from various disciplines who may not typically collaborate. The committee initially works with the study sponsor, whether the US government or another organization, to define its goals and budget but conducts its research independently. A scientific consensus is developed in private sessions to prevent outside influence. Once a report is prepared, it is reviewed by another independent group of experts, whose feedback is provided anonymously and must be addressed before final publication. Sponsors may not suggest revisions or alterations after a report is made public, ensuring the integrity and independence of the process.

Bibliography

DeStefano, Laura Harbold, et al. A History of the National Academy of Medicine: 50 Years of Transformational Leadership. National Academies Press, 2022.

Dzau, Victor. "Strategic Core Pillars." National Academy of Medicine, nam.edu/our-work/core-pillars. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

"History." National Academy of Medicine, nam.edu/about-the-nam/history. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

"National Academy of Medicine Elects 100 New Members." The ASCO Post, 24 Oct. 2024, ascopost.com/news/october-2024/national-academy-of-medicine-elects-100-new-members. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

"The National Academy of Medicine." Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 13 Dec. 2024, irp.nih.gov/about-us/honors/the-national-academy-of-medicine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

"Our Impact." National Academy of Medicine, nam.edu/our-work/our-impact. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.