Monica Bertagnolli Elected President of the National Academy of Medicine

Monica Bertagnolli at the Keck Center of the National Academies

Monica Bertagnolli, former director of the National Institutes of Health, has been elected by members of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) as the Academy’s next president.

Beginning July 1, 2026, she will succeed Victor J. Dzau, who has served as NAM president since 2014. Bertagnolli’s election to a six-year term follows her selection as nominee by the NAM Council after an intensive, yearlong search process. Bertagnolli is a surgical oncologist and physician-scientist whose research has advanced understanding of the role of genetics and inflammation in gastrointestinal cancers and soft-tissue sarcomas.

“The Academy has a critically important role and mission as a trusted, nonpartisan adviser and is uniquely positioned to bring science, clinical expertise, and community experience together to improve health for everyone,” said Bertagnolli. “I look forward to working with members, partners, and the public to advance a health system that truly serves everyone.” Read the press release.