Joseph Lewnard named a 2021 Emerging Leader in Health and Medicine Scholar

UC Berkeley School of Public Health Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Joseph Lewnard has been named a 2021 Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholar by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).

The ten individuals chosen for the honor are early- to mid-career professionals from a wide range of health-related fields, from emergency medicine and health economics to biomedical engineering and research and public health policy. The scholars are an essential part of a major NAM initiative, the Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Program, which provides a platform for a new generation of leaders to collaborate with the NAM and its members across fields of expertise to advance science, combat persistent challenges in health and medicine, and spark transformative change to improve health for all.

Individuals selected by NAM leadership for the 2021 Scholars class will engage in a variety of activities throughout the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine over a three-year term, which began on July 1, 2021. Activities include biannual meetings in Washington, D.C., with NAM leadership and members; planning an annual Emerging Leaders Forum; participating in National Academies convening activities; publishing NAM Perspectives; and attending the NAM’s annual meeting each October.

The other nine 2021 scholars hail from UC Riverside, UCLA, Rockefeller University, Johns Hopkins, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Columbia University, Indiana University, Florida State University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am pleased to welcome these extraordinary individuals who represent the next generation of leading scientists, health care providers, public health professionals, and policymakers,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau.  “As the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is ever important to involve emerging leaders who are poised to accelerate innovative and cross-disciplinary activities and shape the future of health and medicine.”

“I am honored to be joining this year’s scholars cohort,” said Lewnard. “There have been great scientists involved in the program over the years, and I am looking forward to engaging with them and with senior academy members both through our regular meetings and through the opportunity to participate in NAM committees over the duration of the fellowship.”

The Emerging Leaders program facilitates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and innovation among the participants, NAM members, and experts across sectors.

“I run a multi-pronged research program that involves not only computational components but also primary studies in the field,” said Lewnard. “Every opportunity to meet other health researchers poses a great chance for launching a new study or partnership.”

The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and beyond.