Making a Difference

Our Impact

For millions of people across the United States, and spanning the globe, improving health is not merely an academic exercise; it is of utmost importance. For that reason, we take our mission very seriously, and in all our work, we seek to make a real difference in the world. We do not shy away from making honest calls and from demanding the most from our leaders. We provide information to decision makers so that they can change regulation or policy and to other influential groups who can change behavior, all aimed eventually at improving health. Through the actions of government and other organizations, our work has a large impact on the health of the nation and of the world.

Advising Congress and Policy Makers

The Institute of Medicine advises Congress on important health questions, from the quality of medical care to conflicts of interest in medical research, from malaria treatment to environmental hazards, and from vaccine safety to childhood obesity. Since 1970, when the IOM was established as the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, the IOM’s recommendations have shaped health policies to improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

We are available to brief Members of Congress and Congressional staff, as well as agency leaders, about key health issues addressed in IOM studies. To receive more information about a study or to request a briefing, please contact Jim Jensen, Director of the Office of Congressional and Government Affairs, at 202-334-1601 or jjensen@nas.edu.

Community Outreach

The IOM’s work has great influence both domestically and globally, but we also recognize the importance of reaching local communities, in our own backyard and across the country. Read more about the IOM's community outreach.