Guests at the 2025 NAM Society Luncheon. L-r: Peter Lee, Susan Lee, Victor Dzau (standing), Alison Purvis, Jonathan Perlin, and Robert Desnick
The 2025 NAM Society Luncheon brought together members and friends of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in the West Court of the National Academy of Sciences Building to celebrate generosity, leadership, and the shared mission of advancing health for all. Hosted by Victor and Ruth Dzau, the event highlighted how philanthropy continues to support the NAM’s work on key issues such as health equity, clinician well-being, and climate and health.
Ruth Dzau opened the luncheon by thanking supporters for their dedication to the NAM’s mission. She emphasized the importance of maintaining an independent and trusted voice in health and science.
Former NAM Council Vice Chair Maureen Lichtveld also spoke, recognizing the upcoming leadership transition as Victor Dzau’s presidency concludes in 2026. She announced the launch of a campaign aimed at raising $8 million to sustain and strengthen the NAM for years to come. The campaign will focus on two key areas: establishing the Victor J. Dzau Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Fund and creating a flexible Transformation Fund to support bold initiatives for NAM. These funds are an investment in the future of the NAM and will provide resources for mentorship, collaboration and innovation in the years to come.
This year’s honorees included Victor and Ruth Dzau as new Benjamin Franklin Society members, Peter and Susan Lee as Marie Curie Society members, and Albert Einstein Society members Graham Colditz, Kelsey C. Martin, Walter and Marti Unger, and Elias Zerhouni. Victor Dzau also welcomed several new members to the NAM Society in recognition of their support.
To close the program, Heritage Society Chair, Susan Scrimshaw, reflected on the personal and professional growth that comes from involvement in the NAM. She encouraged members to continue investing in the Academy’s future. The luncheon highlighted how philanthropy, leadership, and shared purpose drive NAM’s vision of improving health for everyone, everywhere.
Bolded names denote NAM membership.
