National Academy of Medicine (NAM)

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine (IOM), is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine. It operates under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. NAM's mission is to advise the nation on medical and health issues, aiming to improve health for all by providing independent, authoritative advice and inspiring action. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, accelerators, or incubators, NAM does not have an investment thesis in the financial sense; it does not invest capital in startups or companies. Instead, its 'investment' is in knowledge, research, and policy development. NAM's work focuses on convening experts, conducting studies, and issuing reports that shape public health policy, medical practice, and biomedical research.

Notable programs and initiatives include a wide array of committees and roundtables addressing critical health challenges such as the opioid crisis, healthy aging, health equity, and the future of nursing. They produce landmark reports like "To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System" and "Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century," which have profoundly influenced healthcare delivery and patient safety. Their geographic focus is primarily national within the United States, though their influence and collaborations extend internationally due to the global nature of health challenges. As NAM does not have a portfolio of companies, there are no portfolio highlights in the traditional sense. What makes NAM stand out is its unique position as a non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides unbiased, evidence-based advice to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public. Its membership comprises leading scientists, clinicians, and public health experts, elected based on their distinguished professional achievements, ensuring the highest level of expertise and credibility in its recommendations.