Dr. Utibe Essien, assistant professor of medicine-in-residence in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, has been named one of 10 Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine by the National Academy of Medicine. The three-year term that runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027.
In his research, Essien examines racial and ethnic disparities in the use of novel medications and technology, particularly in treating cardiovascular diseases, or pharmacoequity, a term he coined in 2021. Essien is also an investigator with the Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and assistant vice chair of equity, diversity, and inclusion at the UCLA Department of Medicine.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be elected as one of the Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine by the NAM, joining two of my fellow UCLA colleagues as recent awardees,” Essien said. “I hope that through the NAM I can learn from and work with research, policy, and practice leaders across the country to bring our nation closer to health equity.”
The Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine 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 terms. It enables scholars to engage in and learn from activities shaping the future of health and medicine.
Among other activities, scholars 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.
