Robert Califf, MD, is one of three members of the Duke University School of Medicine faculty to be named to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine, an independent advisory organization made up of leading professionals in health, medicine and the natural, social, and behavioral sciences.
Dr. Califf is currently the director of the Food and Drug Administration, nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by Congress in February. To serve in that role, he has taken a leave of absence from Duke. Prior to the FDA appointment, Califf was vice chancellor of clinical and translational research at Duke, director of the Duke Translational Medicine Institute, and professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology.
Allen D. Kirk, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Surgery, and Donald P. McDonnell, PhD, chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, were also elected to the Academy.
"Membership in the National Academy of Medicine is considered one of the highest honors for health care professionals and biomedical scientists, and recognizes their seminal contributions and commitment to service," said Nancy C. Andrews, MD, PhD, dean of the Duke University School of Medicine. "Congratulations to Rob, Allan, and Donald for this outstanding achievement."
The National Academy of Medicine serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as adviser to the nation and the international community. Election to the academy 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 members are elected by current active members through a selective process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health.