Release issued 13th October 2009

Carol Herbert, Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario has been elected to Foreign Associate membership in the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies.

The IOM is renowned for its research program, but it's also an honorific organization with more than 1,700 members and foreign associates who donate their time to put their knowledge and expertise to work for the public's health. Recent IOM research reports can be found at http://www.iom.edu/en/Reports.aspx.

Members are elected by the incumbent membership on the basis of professional achievement and of demonstrated interest, concern and involvement with problems and critical issues that affect the health of the public.

"It is an honour to be elected to the Institute of Medicine," says Herbert. "The members' collective dedication to improving the health and lives of people around the world is admirable, and I look forward to working with them on upcoming projects."

Each year, the full membership elects up to 65 new members and five foreign associates to the IOM. Members are elected for their excellence and professional achievement in a field relevant to the IOM's mission and for their willingness to participate actively in its work. These individuals represent not only the health care professions but also the natural, social, and behavioral sciences, as well as law, administration, engineering, and the humanities.

For those at the top of their field, membership in the IOM reflects the height of professional achievement and commitment to service. Herbert will be formally welcomed to the Institute at next year's annual meeting, scheduled for October 10-11, 2010.

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