Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine
The National Academy of Medicine’s Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Program (the ELHM Program) began in 2016 to increase the NAM’s engagement with exceptional, interdisciplinary early- to mid-career professionals working in biomedical science, population health, health care, health policy, and related fields.
The ELHM Program facilitates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and innovation between the emerging leaders, NAM members, and experts across sectors.
Goals
Enhancing the leadership experience, expertise, and opportunities of Emerging Leaders by:
- Integrating Emerging Leaders into NAM programs and meetings.
- Creating leadership training, experiences, and mentoring by NAM members.
- Networking with other current and past NAM Emerging Leaders and NAM members.
Strengthening NAM by infusing the expertise, perspectives, and enthusiasm of emerging leaders into NAM’s programs and meetings
Meet the Scholars
Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholars
In June 2026, the National Academy of Medicine’s governing Council designated participants in the ELHM program as Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholars. Dr. Dzau conceptualized and launched ELHM in 2016 and secured more than $5 million in enduring financial support for the program.
Each year, NAM selects up to 10 early- and mid-career professionals with demonstrated leadership and exceptional professional achievement in biomedical science, population health, health care and related fields to serve 3-year terms as Victor J. Dzau ELHM Scholars.Ìý
Nominate a Scholar
Call for Nominations
NAM Members may nominate outstanding candidates from September 15 – October 30, 2026.
Scholar Selection Criteria
Selection of Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholars is based on a variety of factors, including personal and professional achievement, demonstrated creativity and field leadership, and the need for diverse diverse perspectives and geographical and institutional representation. Qualified candidates will:
- Have completed a terminal degree (or have equivalent experience and knowledge) in a relevant profession or field of study
- Be early- to mid-career (defined generally as 5-15 years following attainment of the primary professional degree)
- Demonstrate significant professional accomplishment and exceptional leadership potential
Nomination of Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholars is easy:
Visit our online  and click the NAM and NASEM Login button to log in using your NAM single sign-on credentials. Complete the form by providing the candidate’s contact information, your own statement of support, and the name of another individual who will write a letter supporting the candidate. The candidate and reference writer will receive an automated email inviting them to complete their portion of the nomination. Each member may nominate up to three candidates.
Submit your nomination today at .
Annual Forum
Richard and Hinda Rosenthal NAM Emerging Leaders Forum
The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum (Emerging Leaders Forum) is an annual assembly of outstanding early- and mid-career professionals with exceptional professional promise, achievement, and leadership in biomedical science, health, health care, and related fields. The ELHM scholars and invited attendees will explore some of the most pressing challenges in health and medicine, with the aim of considering and stimulating collaborative interdisciplinary solutions. Attendees will share insights and engage with NAM leaders and members to strengthen their knowledge and benefit the NAM and the field of medicine.
The next forum is scheduled for April 13-14, 2027.
About the Forum
For more information about the Emerging Leaders Forum, select a category.
Participants
The invitation only Emerging Leaders Forum brings together NAM Members with emerging leaders from across the fields of health and medicine and related fields with the aim of creating connections enabling attendees. NAM Members may nominate individuals for participation beginning in January 2027.
Sponsor Information
The Emerging Leaders Forum is made possible through the generous donations of:
- The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Foundation
- The Cassell Family Foundation
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the Emerging Leaders Forum, please email Se Kim at [email protected]
