Rare distinction: Dr Gagandeep Kang elected to National Academy of Medicine

Selection is in recognition of her outstanding contributions to understand and improve child health through her decades-long research

ByChetana Belagere

Published Oct 18, 2022 | 5:36 PM ⚊UpdatedOct 18, 2022 | 7:27 PM

Dr Gagandeep Kang covid

Dr Gagandeep Kang, microbiologist, vaccine expert, and adjunct Professor at CMC Vellore. (Supplied)

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has selected Dr Gagandeep Kang, professor and microbiologist at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, as a member of its Class of 2022.

Dr Kang, one among the 100 new members, is the only scientist from Asia to be invited by the current members to join this year’s class.

The US-based NAS is a non-profit society of distinguished scholars that was established by an Act of Congress signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

NAS is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and is charged with providing independent, objective advice on matters related to science and technology.

New members are elected annually by current members, based on their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Election to NAS is one of the highest honors in the scientific field.

Rare distinction

Dr Kang was elected as member “for her outstanding contributions to understanding and improving child health through her research in enteric infectious diseases and vaccinology over decades benefitting children in India and low and middle-income countries,” NAM said on Monday, 17 October.

Enteric diseases are caused by micro-organisms that affect the intestines.

NAM also took into account her recent contributions to “vaccine science, vaccination policy and communication during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic.”

The elected members’ expertise would be vital to the future of health and medicine for the benefit of all.

“I am truly honored to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine,” said Victor J Dzau, NAM President said on the Academy’s website.

Dr Kang says she is honored

“It’s an honour to be part of the high-level international experts and be a voice that is heard by the government,” Dr Kang told South First.

“The NAM serves as a touchstone for rigorous science and respectful scientific debate. It is an evidence-centered community which is supported by the US government. Unlike in India, the US government calls on these members to address issues that are related to science that are within their limits and their voices are heard, published and even considered by the governments in their policy decisions,”  she added.

Citing an example, Dr Kang said during a debate on whether SARS-CoV-2 was transmitted through air, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) consulted its members, formed a committee and published the findings, which was also used by the US government.

Applause on Twitter

Several scientists, doctors and researchers congratulated Dr Kang for her recognition.

Taking to Twitter Dr Prajna Kota, Vascular Surgeon said, “Gagandeep Kang is one of the people I didn’t have a chance to meet, during my time in Vellore. But she is a true leader that continues to inspire so many. Congratulations Dr. Kang,” she tweeted.

Meanwhile, Vikas Chowdhary said, “Congratulations to Dr Gagandeep Kang for being the only person from Asia (CMC, Vellore) to be elected to this prestigious group,”

To this, Dr Kang replied with a “Thank you,” she said, “It is an honour to have the work that my colleagues and I have done recognised.”

 

 

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