Media Room

FAQs

• What does the IOM do?

  The Institute of Medicine serves as adviser to the nation to improve health. We accomplish that goal through the recommendations provided in our consensus reports and by facilitating other activities that foster discussion, discovery, and critical, cross-disciplinary thinking.

  Learn more about IOM activities and reports.

• Is IOM a part of the government?

  No. The IOM is an independent, nonprofit organization. While many of the studies the IOM undertakes are requested by government agencies, we do not receive direct federal funding for our work.

• What is the purpose of an IOM study?

  The IOM’s studies provide objective and straightforward answers to difficult questions of national importance. Our aim is to help those in government and the private sector make informed health decisions by providing evidence upon which they can rely.

  Learn more about the IOM study process.

• How are study topics selected? How are studies funded?

  Many of the studies that the IOM undertakes begin as specific mandates from Congress. Others are requested by federal agencies and independent organizations. The budget is developed in collaboration with the study’s sponsor.

  Learn more about the IOM study process and sponsoring a study.

• Does IOM conduct original scientific or clinical research? Do you have medical facilities and labs?

  The IOM does not have medical or research facilities and does not conduct clinical research. Instead, IOM study committees review the available research and make recommendations based on their analysis of the evidence. Committees may commission original analyses as white papers or background papers to help inform their deliberations.

  Learn more about the IOM study process.

• Who can I talk to about IOM's recommendations on…

  Each report and activity page on the website provides contact information for the IOM staff members who can best answer your questions. Media should contact Christine Stencel at cstencel@nas.edu.

• Are your meetings open to the public?

  In accordance with federal law and with few exceptions, information-gathering meetings of the committee are open to the public, and any written materials provided to the committee by individuals who are not officials, agents, or employees of the National Academies are maintained in a public access file that is available for examination.
  
  The committee deliberates in meetings closed to the public in order to develop draft findings and recommendations free from outside influences. The public is provided with brief summaries of these meetings that include the list of committee members present. All analyses and drafts of the report remain confidential.

• Who can be a member of the IOM?

  Each year, 65 individuals are elected by current members and are offered membership in the IOM. Members come from range of health care professions; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and fields such as law, economics, administration, engineering, and the humanities.

  Learn more about membership at the IOM.

• Can IOM staff members give me medical advice about my condition?

  No. The IOM is not a medical facility. If you are seeking personalized medical advice, contact your personal physician, a hospital, or a clinic in your community.

• Can I link to the Institute of Medicine website, and will you link to my site?

  Any organization may link to the IOM website; however, it is a violation of copyright to post content from the IOM site to other sites without first securing permission.

  The IOM does not link to external organizations other than the sponsors of IOM reports.