October 22, 2025

IARS President Seun Johnson-Akeju, MD, MMSc

IARS President Seun Johnson-Akeju, MD, MMSc, was recently elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)! He is among 100 new members who were recently elected to the Academy, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. NAM acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. With research connecting foundational laboratory discoveries with clinical trials, Dr. Johnson-Akeju was acknowledged as a thought leader on the neurophysiological and neurocognitive effects of anesthetics and perioperative stressors.

“Science advances when curiosity meets collaboration and discovery is guided by purpose,” said Dr. Johnson-Akeju, Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Mass General Brigham. “Election to the National Academy of Medicine reflects confidence in the collective vision we share across the IARS community to advance anesthesiology through rigorous research, education, and innovation that improve patient care and promote human health.”

Since its establishment as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine has been championing critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and galvanizing positive actions across sectors. New members are nominated by current members, acknowledging those who have made a major impact in advancing medical sciences, health care, and public health fields. With these newly elected members, NAM now includes a prestigious and diverse group of more than 2,500 members, 200 of whom are located outside the U.S.

“I am deeply honored to welcome these extraordinary health and medicine leaders and researchers into the National Academy of Medicine,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau. “Their demonstrated excellence in tackling public health challenges, leading major discoveries, improving health care, advancing health policy, and addressing health equity will critically strengthen our collective ability to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time.”

In his new role at NAM, Dr. Johnson-Akeju will continue to play a major role in enhancing patient care and driving scientific progress forward. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Johnson-Akeju on this honor. 

Read the full press release.