Next in the ASCI Scientific Sessions:
Elizabeth McNally, MD, PhD, elected 2022-2027 JCI Editor-in-Chief
Elizabeth McNally, MD, PhD, has been elected as the 2022-2027 Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI). She will succeed Rexford Ahima, MD, PhD, who has served as the journal’s Editor-in-Chief since July 2018. Dr. McNally’s term begins March 1, 2022.
Dr. McNally is the Director for the Center for Genetic Medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. McNally studies inherited disorders that affect cardiac and skeletal muscle function. Her efforts have elucidated membrane-associated defects that disturb cellular integrity and repair mechanisms leading to the identification of therapeutic targets. Dr. McNally was elected to the ASCI in 2003 and served as President, 2011-2012. She was elected to the Association of American Physicians in 2006 and is serving as the 2021-2022 President. She was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine in 2021.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee update
As we approach the first anniversary of the convening of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC), I am pleased to share with you the Committee’s accomplishments.
The ASCI bylaws state that the DEIC “ensures that the organization, its programs, and its mentoring mechanisms promote and recognize diversity, inclusion, and equity.”
With these goals in mind, the Committee has developed foundational documents, the first of which is intended to establish a common understanding of key terms. This text outlines the considerations underlying the definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and presents the term underrepresented in medicine and science (UiMS) in reference to populations that are underrepresented in medicine and science relative to their numbers in the general US population.
The second is the Society’s effort to collect detailed demographic information. We started this collection as part of the 2022 member nomination process — our first data set. From here, we will endeavor to collect this information in all areas of the ASCI.
You can now provide your demographic details through your member account. The data collected will allow us to determine the current makeup of the Society’s populations, areas needing attention, and changes over time. Information will be kept confidential, and data will be deidentified for any reporting. All response areas are voluntary. We welcome your feedback (via staff@the-asci.org) and will incorporate changes as appropriate.
I look forward to bringing you news of further steps the Committee and the ASCI undertake in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sincerely on behalf of the Committee,
Sophie Paczesny, MD, PhD
Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Nominations open for:
- Upcoming Council vacancies (Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer Elect, and Councilor), nominations due February 1.
- 2022 Honorary membership nomination of “any distinguished person who has contributed significantly to the Society’s objectives,” through February 1. Up to 10 nominees may be recommended for election.
- 2022 Seldin~Smith Award nominations through February 1. This Award is significant exposure for a physician-scientist early in a first faculty appointment.
Advocating for the physician-scientist community
The ASCI is a member society of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and Research!America. These organizations work to promote increased federal funding and sound science policy through direct Congressional advocacy and member participation.