ROCHESTER, Minn. — John Halamka, M.D., president, Mayo Clinic Platform, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). 

This election, one of the highest honors in medicine, recognizes exemplary professional achievement and service commitment. Dr. Halamka is one of 100 people elected to the academy this year. 

"The election to the National Academy of Medicine is a testament to the excellence, passion and commitment Dr. Halamka gives to advancing medicine for the benefit of patients," says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., president and CEO, Mayo Clinic. "His leadership in advancing platform technology, policy and collaboration are critical to our plans to together transform health care."

Dr. Halamka, an emergency medicine physician, has a deep medical informatics background. He joined Mayo Clinic in January to become the first president of the Mayo Clinic Platform. 

The Mayo Clinic Platform is a first in kind initiative focused on transforming health care by unlocking the potential of technology, big data and artificial intelligence to make connections that were previously difficult to achieve. It is an essential component of Mayo Clinic's "Bold. Forward." strategic plan, to cure disease, connect with patients and transforming health care.

In his role, Dr. Halamka helps Mayo Clinic develop new ways of thinking, new partnerships and new specialized skills to meet evolving patient needs ― all while adhering to Mayo's long-standing values. He has been developing and implementing health care information strategy and policy for more than 25 years.

Established as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical health, science, medicine and related policy issues. Active members elect new members through a process that recognizes people who have made significant contributions to advancing the medical sciences, health care and public health. Once elected, members commit to volunteering their service in the academies' activities. The National Academy of Medicine, which is one of four national academies, is based in Washington, D.C.

"This distinguished and diverse class of new members is a truly exceptional group of scholars and leaders whose expertise in science, medicine, health and policy will be integral to helping the NAM address today's most pressing health challenges, and inform the future of health and health care for the benefit of everyone around the globe," says Victor Dzau, M.D., president, National Academy of Medicine. "It is my privilege to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine."

Other physicians and researchers who have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine while at Mayo Clinic are:

• Andrea Cheville, M.D. (2016)
• Michael Yaszemski, M.D., Ph.D. (2016)
• Clifford Jack, M.D. (2013)
• Richard Ehman, M.D. (2010)
• Denis Cortese, M.D. (2005)
• Andrew Engel, M.D. (2003)
• Thoralf Sundt, M.D. (1991)

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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news and Mayo Clinic Facts for more information about Mayo.

Media contact:

• Duska Anastasijevic, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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