In a significant milestone, five Indian-origin researchers were elected as members of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) at its recent annual meeting. This prestigious recognition, which includes 90 regular and 10 international inductees in the 2024 cohort, celebrates leaders in health and medicine for their pioneering research and impactful contributions. Being elected to NAM is regarded as one of the highest honors in the medical and health fields, highlighting the profound influence of these experts on global health care and research.
Among the distinguished group of newly inducted Indian-origin researchers, Dr. Nina Bhardwaj, Dr. Monika Kumari Goyal, Dr. Reshma Jagsi, Dr. Avindra Nath, and Dr. Uma M. Reddy have made exceptional contributions to their respective fields. Their work spans diverse areas including cancer immunology, pediatric emergency medicine, oncology, neurology, and maternal-fetal medicine.
Dr. Nina Bhardwaj, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, has been recognized for her groundbreaking research on human dendritic cells, an area that has substantially impacted cancer immunology. Her work in developing a cell-based cancer vaccine, which has gained FDA approval, represents a major advancement in cancer treatment. Reflecting on her achievements, Dr. Bhardwaj’s contributions to cancer and viral immunity have previously earned her the 2022 Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research. This accolade acknowledges her pivotal role in immunology and her ongoing work toward advancing cancer treatment options.
Dr. Monika Kumari Goyal, a professor specializing in pediatrics and emergency medicine at George Washington University, has directed her research toward understanding and addressing pediatric firearm injuries. Her work emphasizes the need to mitigate the effects of firearm violence on children’s health, a pressing issue in public health and medicine. Dr. Goyal’s research has also aimed at reducing health care disparities and fostering equity in treatment. Through her advocacy, she has significantly contributed to public health efforts to ensure accessible, equitable care for children affected by violence, pushing forward essential changes in pediatric emergency protocols.
Dr. Reshma Jagsi, chair of the radiation oncology department at Emory University, is renowned for her research on cancer outcome disparities, with a focus on gender-related issues. Her studies examine inequities faced by women within the field of oncology, as well as disparities in cancer treatment and patient outcomes. Dr. Jagsi’s work has fueled policy reforms aimed at promoting gender equity, both in the medical profession and in the treatment of cancer patients. By advocating for these changes, she has influenced national discussions around fairness in healthcare and has inspired structural shifts that address gender bias in oncology and related medical fields.
Dr. Avindra Nath, who holds an MD from Christian Medical College in India, has contributed substantial leadership and insight into the study of neurological infections, including COVID-19 and its long-term effects, commonly known as Long COVID. His expertise has broadened the understanding of neuroinfections, offering new perspectives on managing and treating infections that affect the nervous system. His research on COVID-19 neurological complications has proven particularly vital during the pandemic, as it provides a foundation for addressing the long-term impacts of the virus on brain health.
Dr. Uma M. Reddy, a professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, has focused her research on maternal-fetal health, particularly in understanding stillbirth, neonatal morbidity and mortality, and the intricacies of labor management. Her work has led to improved health outcomes for both mothers and infants, as her findings inform better practices in maternal and neonatal care. Dr. Reddy’s efforts have thus contributed significantly to advancing health care strategies that protect the well-being of expecting mothers and newborns, making a lasting impact in the field of obstetrics.
Victor J. Dzau, president of NAM, commended the achievements of the 2024 class of inductees, emphasizing the importance of their expertise. “Their expertise will be necessary to supporting NAM’s work to address the pressing health and scientific challenges we face today,” he stated, underscoring the essential role these researchers will play in advancing NAM’s mission and addressing global health challenges through their unique and critical perspectives.