Two UCLA professors, Dr. Denise Aberle and Dr. Carol Mangione, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in health and medicine.
Aberle is a professor of radiology and bioengineering, and vice chair for research in the department of radiological sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Mangione is the Barbara A. Levey & Gerald S. Levey Professor of Medicine and Public Health and chief of the division of general internal medicine and health services research. They were among 100 new members announced Oct. 21 during the academy's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
The academy recognized Aberle for leading the American College of Radiology Imaging Network in the National Cancer Institute–sponsored National Lung Screening Trial, in which low-dose CT screening was shown to reduce mortality from lung cancer by 20% compared with chest radiographic screening.
"I'm honored to be elected into the National Academy of Medicine, particularly in light of those in the Geffen School of Medicine who have preceded me," Aberle said. "Although the results of the National Lung Screening Trial have changed U.S. health policy, screening implementation is still in its infancy. I'm privileged to continue my research with some extraordinary colleagues on this campus as we tackle some of the remaining challenges of lung cancer early detection."
Mangione was elected for her understanding of how health system strategies, cost sharing and other elements affect quality of care and treatment outcomes for low-income people with diabetes. A primary care physician, Mangione also directs the National Institutes of Health–funded Resource Center for Minority Aging Research at UCLA and is a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
"It is truly an honor to be inducted into the National Academy of Medicine and to share this recognition with UCLA and my outstanding research collaborators for creating a highly supportive environment where our work has thrived," she said.
Membership in the academy is bestowed upon people who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, commitment to service and contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care and public health.
Aberle and Mangione join 37 other UCLA faculty from the schools of medicine, public health, dentistry and the UCLA College who have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Among them is Dr. Kelsey Martin, dean of the Geffen School of Medicine, who was elected in 2016.
"I am proud to stand with others in recognizing the impactful contributions of Dr. Aberle and Dr. Mangione," Martin said. "Their election is a testament to the extraordinary quality of work being performed by our faculty."
The National Academy of Medicine, formerly the Institute of Medicine, comprises professionals from health, medicine and other areas who are addressing critical issues related to those fields. It is one of three national academies — along with the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering — that advise the national and international community on policies in those areas.
"These newly elected members represent the most exceptional scholars and leaders whose remarkable work has advanced science, medicine, and health in the U.S. and around the globe," said Victor J. Dzau, president of the academy. "Their expertise will be vital to addressing today's most pressing health and scientific challenges and informing the future of health and medicine for the benefit of us all. I am honored to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine."
