The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has elected Distinguished McKnight University Professor Katy Backes Kozhimannil, PhD, MPA, as one of its newest members. Election to the Academy is among the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.
Kozhimannil is being honored for her research on health policy and health system features that impact maternal and child health outcomes and access to perinatal health care, especially in rural areas of the U.S. and among Native Americans, and for her ability to explain such research to policymakers to inform decision-making.
The NAM announced the election of 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting. “I am deeply honored to welcome these extraordinary health and medicine leaders and researchers into the National Academy of Medicine,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau. “Their demonstrated excellence in tackling public health challenges, leading major discoveries, improving health care, advancing health policy, and addressing health equity will critically strengthen our collective ability to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time.”
“This honor reflects the importance of translating research into resources for those who experience harm, suffering, or stress during pregnancy and when welcoming a new baby,” Kozhimannil says. “I am grateful to rural and Native elders — especially grandmothers — for guiding critical research questions that have brought needed attention to their communities and led to policy change. I am also deeply thankful for my mentors, colleagues, students, and research and community partners, who share a deep commitment to preserving and uplifting the vitality of birth in rural and Native communities.”
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.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see Professor Kozhimannil recognized by the National Academy of Medicine,” said Melinda Pettigrew, PhD, dean of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. “Her impressive research on maternal health and health equity has provided key data that has had, and will continue to have, a direct impact on policies and legislation at the state and federal levels. This national honor underscores the impact of her collaborative scholarship and leadership and exemplifies the School of Public Health’s mission.”
Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, NAM addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities.
The original press release was published on NAM’s website.
