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Today, October 9, the United States National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the election of Prof. Christian Happi as an international member of the Academy. The announcement was made during the 2023 Annual Meeting of NAM.
NAM elected 90 regular members and 10 international members. Election to the Academy 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.
New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. A diversity of talent among NAM’s membership is assured by its Articles of Organization, which stipulate that at least one-quarter of the membership is selected from fields outside the health professions — for example, from such fields as law, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.
“It is my honor to welcome this truly exceptional class of new members to the National Academy of Medicine,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau. “Their contributions to health and medicine are unparalleled, and their leadership and expertise will be essential to helping the NAM tackle today’s urgent health challenges, inform the future of health care, and ensure health equity for the benefit of all around the globe.”
“My election in the US National academy of Medicine is the result of few things.” said Prof. Christian Happi while reacting to the election. “First, consistency, resilience and especially not giving up when confronted with challenges. Over the years I have consistently faced stumbling blocks and challenges. I have however always succeeded in seeing the silver lining in them, and effectively turning the challenges into opportunities and the stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
“Second, I have been fortunate to have priceless family support (especially my wife), great mentors, collaborators and partners. Third, an amazing team of committed and dedicated colleagues and staff. Fourth, an institution that is committed to supporting our work.
“Most importantly, I want to give all the Glory to God, as I believe that this prestigious recognition is the will of God. He created my path and has been guiding me through to this point.”
Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities.
