Fins

Skorton

Dr. David J. Skorton, president of Cornell, and Dr. Joseph J. Fins, chief of the Division of Medical Ethics at Weill Cornell Medical College, have been elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies. IOM membership is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.

Announced today (Oct. 11) at the IOM's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., Skorton and Fins are among 65 new members and four foreign associates elected this year. "Each of these new members stands out as a professional whose research, knowledge and skills have significantly advanced health and medicine and who has served as a model for others," said IOM President Harvey Fineberg.

"I am deeply honored to be a part of the Institute of Medicine, with its timely and critical focus on evidence-based advice to the nation on health and health care," said Skorton, also a professor of medicine and medicine in pediatrics at Weill Cornell and professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering. "To be able to recognize at the same time the election of Dr. Joseph Fins, an esteemed colleague and friend at Weill Cornell Medical College, makes this a double honor."

"I am grateful for this honor and for the opportunity to be joining an organization that has done so much for America's health. I am also especially pleased to have been elected with President Skorton," said Fins, also a professor of medicine, of public health and of medicine in psychiatry at Weill Cornell.

The IOM recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. With this year's election, the institute counts 1,610 active members, 75 emeritus members and 93 foreign associates. The IOM is recognized as a national resource for independent, scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on health issues.