Duke University’s L. Ebony Boulware, M.D., and Peter Ubel, M.D., have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Election to the NAM 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.

Boulware is a professor in the Department of Medicine, chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine in the Department of Medicine, vice dean for translational science in the School of Medicine and associate vice chancellor for research for Duke Health. She is director of the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Boulware has spent the majority of her scholarly career investigating mechanisms to improve health care and health outcomes for patients and populations with chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease and hypertension. She frequently engages community members, patients, their family members, and other stakeholders to develop and implement relevant and sustainable interventions to improve health. 

Ubel is the Madge and Dennis T. McLawhorn University Professor of Business, Public Policy and Medicine at Duke University. He is a physician and behavioral scientist recognized for his exploration of controversial issues about the role of values and preference in health care and decision making. He uses the tools of decision psychology and behavioral economics to explore topics such as informed consent, shared decision making and health care cost containment.

“Dr. Boulware and Dr. Ubel are both pioneers in their respective fields,” said Mary E. Klotman, M.D., dean of the Duke University School of Medicine. “Their work has made a significant impact on healthcare and society, and it is fitting that they are being recognized with this great honor. I want to extend my congratulations to both of them.”

“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 National Academy of Medicine President Victor J. Dzau. “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.”

New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. 

The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser to the nation and the international community. Through its domestic and global initiatives, the NAM works to address critical issues in health, medicine, and related policy and inspire positive action across sectors. The NAM collaborates closely with its peer academies and other divisions within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.