LDI Fellows Bowles, Halpern, and South Named to National Academy of Medicine

In a resounding testament to their groundbreaking contributions to the field of health and medicine, Kathryn Bowles, Scott Halpern, and Eugenia South have been named new members of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This prestigious honor, announced at the organization's annual meeting, recognizes the trio’s exceptional research and leadership in advancing health equity and addressing major public health challenges.

The Significance of NAM Membership

Membership in the National Academy of Medicine is one of the highest honors in the field of health and medicine. It is a testament to an individual's dedication, innovation, and commitment to improving health outcomes. The NAM is known for its rigorous selection process, which evaluates nominees based on their significant contributions, leadership, and potential to shape the future of healthcare.

A Look at the New Members

Kathryn Bowles, PhD, RN

Kathryn Bowles is Professor of Biobehavioral Health Science at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Her work has been instrumental in accelerating the implementation of learning health systems through rigorous evidence-based practices. Bowles has developed and commercialized a decision support tool for discharge planning, which has been crucial in identifying patients in need of post-acute care services. Her research on sepsis survivors led to the establishment of a new ICD-10 code for sepsis aftercare, a significant milestone in the field of critical care.

Scott Halpern, MD, PhD

Scott Halpern is a Professor of both Medicine and Epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. His seminal contributions to improving care near the end of life have been profound. Through trenchant ethical analyses and leadership of large clinical trials, Halpern has challenged old paradigms of serious illness decision-making. He has demonstrated that low-cost, scalable interventions can significantly improve care quality and outcomes.

Eugenia South, MD, MSHP

Eugenia South is Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She is also Associate Vice President of Health Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Faculty Director of the Center for Health Justice. Her work focuses on dismantling structural racism and preventing firearm injury in Black neighborhoods. South has made substantial contributions to advancing health equity through the lens of racial, environmental, and economic justice.

The Diversity of Their Work

Each of these LDI Senior Fellows brings a unique perspective and set of skills to their work, reflecting the diverse needs and challenges within the healthcare sector.

Improving Care Quality

Scott Halpern’s research on end-of-life care has been instrumental in shifting the focus from cost-effective interventions to improving patient outcomes. His work has shown that with careful planning and ethical consideration, healthcare can provide more compassionate and effective care, even in the most critical situations.

Enhancing Health Equity

Eugenia South’s efforts to dismantle structural racism in healthcare systems are groundbreaking. By addressing the systemic inequalities that affect health outcomes, she is working towards a more equitable healthcare system. Her work in preventing firearm injuries in Black neighborhoods is a critical step towards reducing health disparities.

Advancing Health Technologies

Kathryn Bowles’ work on health information technologies has accelerated the implementation of learning health systems. Her decision support tool for discharge planning has become a standard in many hospitals, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care after discharge. This tool has not only improved patient outcomes but also reduced healthcare costs by preventing readmissions.

The Future of Healthcare

The induction of these three LDI Senior Fellows into the National Academy of Medicine signifies a new era of innovation and leadership in healthcare. Their contributions will continue to shape the future of healthcare policy, research, and practice.

Guiding Future Policies

The NAM’s selection of Bowles, Halpern, and South underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Their membership will influence policy decisions, ensuring that future healthcare initiatives are grounded in evidence-based practices and address the diverse needs of the population.

Inspiring Future Leaders

The recognition of these three individuals will inspire a new generation of healthcare professionals. Their achievements serve as a beacon, demonstrating that dedication to research and service can lead to significant impact in the field.

Conclusion

The induction of Kathryn Bowles, Scott Halpern, and Eugenia South into the National Academy of Medicine is a testament to their unwavering commitment to improving healthcare. Their groundbreaking research and leadership have set a new standard for the healthcare industry. As they continue to shape the future of healthcare, their contributions will remain a benchmark for excellence, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

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References

• LDI Fellows Bowles, Halpern, and South Named to National Academy of Medicine. https://ldi.upenn.edu/our-work/research-updates/ldi-fellows-bowles-halpern-and-south-named-to-national-academy-of-medicine/