Two NIH physicians are among the 70 new members and 10 foreign associates recently elected to the Institute of Medicine during its 44th annual meeting. Election to the IOM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome our esteemed colleagues to the Institute of Medicine,” said IOM president Dr. Victor Dzau. “These leaders’ tremendous achievements have contributed significantly to advancing health and medicine. The expertise and knowledge they bring to the IOM will encourage and enhance its success.”

The new NIH members are Dr. James J. Cimino, chief, Laboratory for Informatics Development, Clinical Center and National Library of Medicine; and Dr. John Joseph O’Shea Jr., scientific director, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, IOM has become recognized as a national resource for independent, scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on health issues. The newly elected members raise IOM’s total active membership to 1,798 and the number of foreign associates to 128. With an additional 86 members holding emeritus status, IOM’s total membership is 2,012.