Michael Osterholm named to Institute of Medicine by National Academy of Sciences

University of Minnesota professor Michael Osterholm, M.P.H, Ph.D., has been named to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Institute of Medicine (IOM) membership is one of the highest honors in the field of medicine, given to those who have contributed significantly to medical sciences, health care, and public health.
Osterholm is the son of Abigail Osterholm of Waukon and a 1971 graduate of Waukon Senior High School. He graduated in 1975 from Luther College in Decorah with a degree in biology.
Currently the director of the University's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and professor of public health, Osterholm is one of 65 new members who have been elected through a highly selective process. The institute's total active membership is now 1,416.
Osterholm is an internationally recognized expert in public health and a member of the faculty at the University's School of Public Health. He is Associate Director of the National Center for Post Harvest Food Protection and Defense. He has been at the national and local forefront of addressing national issues related to public health preparedness, infectious disease, bioterrorism, and agricultural and food biosecurity.
With the honor comes responsibility, as Institute members devote a significant amount of volunteer time to IOM committees, which study a broad range of health policy issues. Founded in 1970, the institute is devoted to advancing health professions, promoting health-related research, and improving health care. It has become recognized as a national, independent resource for analysis and recommendations on health issues.
In addition to health professionals, the IOM includes members from fields such as natural, social, and behavioral sciences, as well as law, administration, engineering, and the humanities. Only recently have public health leaders been named to the institute.
"Having faculty members recognized by the IOM speaks to the University's commitment to sound, interdisciplinary research, and our leadership in public policy and public health," said Frank B. Cerra, M.D., senior vice president for health sciences.
The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota's six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.