October 25, 2005

Dennis Carson Elected to Institute of Medicine

By Nancy Stringer

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has announced the election of Dr. Dennis A. Carson to its membership. Carson is professor of medicine at UCSD School of Medicine and director of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center . He is one of 64 new members nationwide, and one of only two announced from San Diego . Paul Schimmel, Ph.D., at Scripps Research Institute was also elected.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Institute of Medicine , which was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to honor professional achievement in the health sciences and to serve as a national resource for independent analysis and recommendations on issues related to medicine, biomedical sciences, and health.

"As the Institute of Medicine celebrates this milestone, it is a great pleasure to welcome these distinguished individuals as members," said IOM President Harvey V. Fineberg. "Election recognizes those who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. It is considered one of the highest honors in these fields."

Current active members elect new members from a slate of candidates nominated for their professional achievement. A diversity of talent among members is assured by the Institute's charter, which requires that at least one-quarter be selected from fields outside the health professions – such as the social and behavioral sciences, law, engineering, and the humanities.

With their election, members make a commitment to involve themselves in the work of the Institute, which conducts studies and other activities addressing a wide range of issues in medical science, health services, public health, and health policy. Some current studies are a project to recommend appropriate nutritional standards for foods sold in schools, an evaluation of the nation's system for ensuring the safety of prescription drugs after they have reached the market, and an assessment of emergency health care in the United States and recommendations for improving it.

The total IOM membership, including foreign associate members and emeritus members, is now 1,602.

Media Contacts: Nancy Stringer, 619-543-6163