West LA Times

Dr. Donna L. Washington has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, a prestigious recognition in health and medicine. She serves as the director of the Health Equity-QUERI National Partnered Evaluation Center at the Veterans Health Administration and is a professor of medicine at both the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

The academy honors individuals who have shown exceptional professional achievement and dedication to service. Dr. Washington was selected for her significant research on U.S. military veterans' health care needs, which has contributed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality health care for this diverse group. Her work influences health policy and strategic planning aimed at eliminating disparities related to sex, race, and ethnicity.

"We are incredibly proud of Dr. Washington’s election to the National Academy of Medicine," stated Dr. Steven Dubinett, dean of the Geffen School of Medicine. "Her dedication to advancing health equity and improving health care for veterans is truly inspiring and reflects the core values of UCLA Health."

Dr. Washington joins 90 regular members and 10 international members elected during the academy's annual meeting on October 21, increasing its membership to over 2,400, including 48 from UCLA.

New members are chosen by existing members based on their significant contributions to medical sciences, healthcare, and public health advancement. The academy maintains diversity among its members by selecting at least one-quarter from fields outside traditional health professions such as law, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.