In recognition of their groundbreaking research and leadership in medicine and healthcare, six South Asian-origin researchers have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM) as part of the 2024 class. This class includes 90 regular members and 10 international members, marking one of the highest honors in health and medicine.
Honorees from South Asia
Dr. Nina Bhardwaj, MD, PhD
Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. Bhardwaj’s, Waldman Chair in Cancer Research; professor of medicine (Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology) and urology; director of immunotherapy and medical director, Vaccine and Cell Therapy Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City. For pioneering the discovery and function of human dendritic cell subsets, identifying cross-presenting pathways of antigen presentation impacting cancer and viral immunity, and establishing their potent adjuvant activity in humans, pivotal discoveries which underlie the first approval of a cell-based vaccine in cancer.
Dr. Monika Kumari Goyal, MD, MSCE
Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at George Washington University and endowed chair for Women in Science and Health and co-director, Center for Translational Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C. For being a national leader in research in pediatric firearm injury prevention. Her research has shed a spotlight on the burden of firearm violence on child health. She is also a leading pediatric equity scientist, developing interventions that have led to mitigation of health care disparities.
Dr. Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil
Lawrence W. Davis Professor and chair, department of radiation oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta. For pioneering empirical research that has identified targetable drivers of disparities in cancer outcomes and within the medical profession, particularly for women. Her work to develop and evaluate innovative interventions to promote equity has established new areas of investigation in oncology and prompted policy changes by institutions, funders, and professional societies.
Dr. Avindra Nath, MD
Chief, Section of Infections of the Nervous System, and clinical director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. For pioneering research and strong leadership in emerging and persistent infections of the nervous system by studying pathophysiology, developing treatments, and conducting clinical studies. This includes retroviruses, Ebola, Zika, nodding syndrome, and COVID-19 as well as Long COVID, ME/CFS, and Gulf War syndrome.
Dr. Uma M. Reddy, MD, MPH
Professor and vice chair of research, department of obstetrics and gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and professor of population and family health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City. For leadership of paradigm-shifting research that has fundamentally advanced the understanding of stillbirth, neonatal morbidity and mortality, and labor management and their impact on maternal morbidity through large multicenter cohorts and trials, driving new standards in national obstetric practice and improved outcomes for pregnant people and their children.
Dr. Aziz Sheikh, OBE, FRSE, FMedSci
Nuffield Professor of Primary Care Health Sciences and head, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford; and professor and director, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. For being a global leader in health informatics and data science to advance the quality, safety, and efficiency of clinical care internationally. He is a world leader in asthma care and in primary care and has helped lead the COVID response in Scotland.
NAM Welcomes New Members
NAM President Victor J. Dzau welcomed the newly elected members, emphasizing that their expertise will support NAM’s mission to address critical health and scientific challenges. These South Asian researchers bring a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly contribute to advancements in healthcare on an international scale.
About the author
Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FCEP, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Centerand a distinguished leader in the field, holding board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the U.S. Bureau Chief for The Desi Buzz, GCCStartup.News, and Startup Berita, where she contributes her insights on healthcare and innovation. As a committed member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is also pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. Certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy, she combines traditional healing techniques with modern medicine. Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. A passionate foodie, she enjoys creating recipes, experimenting with recipe hacks, and finding ways to make meals healthier and more delicious.
