The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has named Dr. Alejandra Casillas, assistant professor-in-residence of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, as one of its Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Scholars to study ways to improve health for all.
The program serves as a platform under which early- to mid-career professionals engage in a variety of activities in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine during their three-year terms, which began July 1. Along with the other scholars, Casillas will attend biannual meetings in Washington, D.C. with Academy leaders and members, plan an annual Emerging Leaders Forum, participate in National Academies convening activities, publish NAM Perspectives, and attend the Academy’s annual meetings each October.
Casillas, a doctor in the UCLA Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, specializes in the study of health inequities, and is especially interested in medical care access and interventions to improve the quality of life for people of color and limited English-speaking populations.
”This recognition is a testament to the incredible mentoring and opportunity that I have received throughout my career, especially here at UCLA,” said Casillas, a doctor in the UCLA Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research.” As a primary care physician and daughter of two Latino immigrant parents I am committed to advancing health equity research in our academic systems and I know that this incredible platform within NAM will help elevate my work to higher levels.”
Casillas is one of 10 doctors and researchers chosen for the honor. The others are Brandon Brown of UC Riverside, Dr. Paul Cohen of Rockefeller University, Dr. Justin Basile Echouffo Tcheugui of Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Anna Greka of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard University, Dr.Sidney Handerson of Columbia University, Joseph Lewnard of UC Berkeley, Christina Ann Roberto of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds of Indiana University, and Jing Wang of Florida State University.
“I am pleased to welcome these extraordinary individuals who represent the next generation of leading scientists, health care providers, public health professionals, and policymakers into the National Academy of Medicine’s Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine program,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau. “As the world continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, it is ever important to involve emerging leaders who are poised to accelerate innovative and cross-disciplinary activities and shape the future of health and medicine.”
