By Duke Medicine News and Communications

Joseph W. St. Geme, III, MD, chairman of the department of pediatrics at Duke University Hospital, is one of 65 new members elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) today at their 40th annual meeting.  

“Election to the IOM is one of the highest honors in the fields of health care and biomedical science,” says Nancy Andrews, MD, PhD, dean of the Duke University School of Medicine.

“Joe has always demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, and his commitment to advancing children’s health is being recognized with this prestigious membership.”

St. Geme is a nationally-recognized expert for his research on the genetic and molecular basis of virulence by Haemophilus influenzae.

At Duke, he oversees clinical activities and research at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center, one of the largest health care providers for children in the Southeast, which offers primary care, consultations and comprehensive services for infants, children and adolescents.

He is a James B. Duke Professor in the departments of pediatrics and molecular genetics and microbiology at the Duke University School of Medicine.

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.