Two Boston Children's Hospital faculty members have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM), bringing Boston Children's total number of current NAM members to 21. They are:
- Elizabeth C. Engle, M.D., investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; professor of neurology and ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School; senior associate in neurology, ophthalmology, and genetics, Boston Children's Hospital; and associate member, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston. For seminal research that has defined a new category of developmental brain disorder of the human central nervous system, especially the brainstem and cranial nerves, manifesting as congenital ocular or facial dysmotility, and often accompanied by motor and cognitive dysfunction as well as non-neurological birth defects.
- Beth Stevens, Ph.D., associate professor of neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and member, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston. For redefining our understanding of how the wiring in the brain occurs in early life, and shedding new light on how the nervous and immune systems interact in the brain, in health and disease.
"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."
Membership in the NAM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements and commitment to service. Current active members elect new members from among candidates nominated for their accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. The newly elected members bring NAM's total membership to 2,127 and the number of international members to 172.
The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser to the nation 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.
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Boston Children's Hospital, the primary pediatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center. Its discoveries have benefited both children and adults since 1869. Today, more than 3,000 scientists, including 8 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 22 members of the National Academy of Medicine and 12 Howard Hughes Medical Investigators comprise Boston Children's research community. Founded as a 20-bed hospital for children, Boston Children's is now a 415-bed comprehensive center for pediatric and adolescent health care. For more, visit our Discoveries blog and follow us on social media @BostonChildrens, @BCH_Innovation, Facebook and YouTube.