Siobhan Wescott, MD, director of the American Indian Health Program and inaugural holder of the Dr. Susan and Susette LaFlesche Professorship in Public Health in the UNMC College of Public Health, is among the most notable and influential figures in health, science and medicine, according to the inaugural STAT News STATUS List.
“What an incredible honor to have Nebraska-based work receive a national spotlight for strengthening the fabric of our communities. I am proud to advocate for Native Americans, and may this recognition inspire others to pursue advocacy no matter how long the odds are,” Dr. Wescott said.
STAT NEWS, a leading media company reporting on health, science and medicine, released the list Tuesday to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact in the life sciences. Dr. Wescott is one of 46 individuals named as a leader in her field. The list of 46 is a nod to the 46 chromosomes that make up human DNA.
Others on the list include:
- Anthony Fauci, MD, director and chief medical adviser to the president, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
- Francis Collins, MD, PhD, acting science advisor to the president and acting co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
- Otis Brawley, MD, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Oncology and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University.
“Over the past few years, our global health, medical and scientific community has been put to the test. Many of the leaders that we are recognizing today are those who have been in STAT’s breaking-news stories, fighting the pandemic and shaping the future of our life sciences landscape,” said Rick Berke, co-founder and executive editor of STAT. “Today, STAT is taking its work a step further and recognizing those who will go down in history as the champions of these extraordinary times.”
The recognition placed special emphasis on people who have taken extra steps to help others and build community in these often-divisive times. The 46 notable figures include leaders in biotechnology, academia, government and politics and medicine, among other areas.
STAT surveyed a variety of science, health care, biotechnology, education, patient advocacy and policy sectors to identify candidates. Reporters and editors selected more than 250 names before referring finalists to a panel of expert judges.
Learn about all 46 individuals on the website for STAT News.
Congratulations, Dr. Wescott! We are so glad that you chose to come to UNMC!
Congratulations Dr. Wescott!!