National Academy of Medical Sciences

National Academy of Medical Sciences
Name	National Academy of Medical Sciences
Founded	0 1961
Headquarters	New Delhi, India
Focus	Medical sciences, public health
President	Dr. V. Mohan
Website	https://www.nams-india.in/

National Academy of Medical Sciences. It is a premier institution in India dedicated to the advancement of medical science and the promotion of medical education. Established to foster growth in all branches of medical knowledge, the Academy plays a pivotal role in shaping health policy and recognizing excellence through its prestigious fellowship. It operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, collaborating with leading national and international organizations.

History

The Academy was founded in 1961 by a group of eminent medical professionals led by Colonel S. S. Sokhey, with the foundational support of the Indian Council of Medical Research. Its creation was inspired by the model of other prestigious bodies like the Royal College of Physicians and aimed to address the specific needs of the medical community in post-independence India. Early milestones included establishing its headquarters in New Delhi and convening its first annual conference, which set the stage for its role in medical research discourse. Over the decades, it has grown in stature, with its fellows including notable figures such as Dr. N. H. Antia and Dr. K. A. Dinshaw, contributing significantly to fields like pediatric surgery and oncology.

Organization and governance

The supreme governing body of the Academy is its Council, which is headed by an elected President and includes the Vice-President, Honorary Treasurer, and several elected Councilors. The current President is Dr. V. Mohan, a renowned expert in diabetology. Administrative functions are managed by the Secretary General, supported by a permanent secretariat located in New Delhi. Key committees, such as the Finance Committee and the Academic Committee, oversee specific operational and programmatic areas, ensuring alignment with the institution's objectives as outlined in its Memorandum of Association.

Membership and fellowship

The Academy confers the distinguished title of Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (FAMS) upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to medical science or public health. Election to fellowship is a rigorous process involving peer nomination, scrutiny by the Academic Committee, and final approval by the Council. The fellowship comprises luminaries from diverse specialties, including cardiology, neurosurgery, and epidemiology. In addition to fellows, the Academy offers membership to individuals and institutional members such as major medical colleges and research institutes across India.

Activities and programs

A core activity is organizing the annual NAMS Conference, a major scientific gathering that features lectures, symposia, and paper presentations on cutting-edge topics in biomedical research. The Academy administers several orations and awards, including the prestigious Dr. B. C. Roy Award and the Colonel S. S. Sokhey Oration, to honor exemplary work. It conducts continuing medical education workshops, consensus development conferences on critical health issues, and provides expert advice to bodies like the Government of India and the World Health Organization on matters of health policy and clinical guidelines.

Publications and resources

The flagship publication of the Academy is the Annals of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research and review articles. It also releases periodic monographs, proceedings of its conferences, and policy documents such as white papers on public health challenges. A significant digital resource is its online library and database of fellow biographies, which serves as a valuable archive for historians of medicine in India. These publications are indexed in major databases and are often referenced by institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Affiliated institutions and collaborations

The Academy maintains formal collaborations with premier national bodies such as the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Medical Council of India, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. It is part of a global network, engaging with international academies including the Academy of Medical Sciences in the United Kingdom and the National Academy of Sciences, India. Through these partnerships, it facilitates joint research programs, scholar exchange initiatives, and collaborative workshops, strengthening the interface between Indian medical research and the global scientific community.

Category:Medical and health organizations based in India Category:National academies Category:Organizations established in 1961