Drexel University’s Dr. John Rich, a professor in the University’s School of Public Health and chair of the department of Health Management and Policy, has been named to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The announcement of the organization’s 65 new members and five foreign associates was made in conjunction with the IOM’s 39th annual meeting. Election to the IOM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. New IOM members are elected by current active members through a highly selective process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. “It is an honor to be selected to the Institute of Medicine,” said Rich, who is also a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship. “The Institute of Medicine has provided leadership in tackling key issues in medicine, public health and social justice. I am proud to have the opportunity to work with the IOM to advance its work.”Rich focuses his research on inner-city health problems, particularly urban violence, men’s health and racial disparities. In addition to serving as a department chair and professor, he also established the Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice at the Drexel University School of Public Health. Supported by more than $1 million in grants, the center focuses on urban trauma as a public health issue and provides a program of healing for victims of violence. Rich received in 2006 the MacArthur Fellowship for his work in addressing the primary health care needs of young men in the inner city by designing clinical services and training programs. He recently published a book on stemming trauma and urban violence, titled Wrong Place Wrong Time: Trauma and Violence in the Lives of Young Black Men, which is slated for release by The Johns Hopkins Press in November 2009.Prior to joining Drexel University, Rich was medical director for the Boston Public Health Commission, the health department for the city of Boston. In that capacity, he oversaw the clinical functions of the commission and developed initiatives to address emerging health problems. Rich was also an associate professor of Medicine and Public Health at Boston University, and served as an attending physician at Boston Medical Center.The Institute of Medicine is unique in its structure as both an honorific membership organization and an advisory organization. Established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, IOM has become recognized as a national resource for independent, scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on health issues. With their election, members make a commitment to volunteer their service on IOM committees, boards, and other activities.For more information about Dr. Rich or the Drexel University School of Public Health, visit http://publichealth.drexel.edu.News Media Contact: Niki Gianakaris, director, Drexel News Bureau 215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu
