National Academy of Medicine

Definition

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is an American non-profit organization that provides expert advice on health and medical issues. It aims to improve health by advancing science, accelerating health equity, and providing independent, authoritative information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAM frequently publishes reports that influence healthcare policy and research funding in the United States.
2. It collaborates with other national academies like the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).
3. NAM plays a crucial role in assessing the ethical implications of new medical technologies, including those related to gene therapy.
4. The organization has specific committees dedicated to various aspects of biomedical research, including microbial genetics.
5. NAM's recommendations can directly impact the regulatory landscape for emerging therapies, such as those involving CRISPR technology.

Review Questions

• What is the primary mission of the National Academy of Medicine?
• How does NAM influence healthcare policy and research funding?
• Why is NAM important in the context of gene therapy and microbial genetics?

Related terms

National Institutes of Health (NIH): A U.S. government agency responsible for biomedical and public health research.

Gene Therapy: A medical field which focuses on the treatment or prevention of diseases by modifying genetic material.

CRISPR: A powerful tool for editing genomes, allowing researchers to alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.