A world-renowned West Virginia University physician and researcher has received one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.

Dr. Sally Hodder, director of the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, associate vice president for clinical and translational science at WVU and Chancellor’s Preeminent Scholar Chair, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine for her accomplishments as an infectious diseases physician and researcher.

Hodder, the first person from WVU to be chosen for the National Academy of Medicine, is one of only 100 new members from around the world announced at the Oct. 21 NAM Annual Meeting.

Election recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care and public health.

“Through her extensive statewide networks and coalitions, Dr. Sally Hodder is transforming health care in West Virginia and beyond by engaging rural communities in novel clinical trials and translational research,” said Dr. Clay Marsh, chancellor and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences.

“Dr. Hodder’s work in rural American communities is helping us understand and address the lack of representation for underserved and underrepresented people in health and medical research studies and will improve treatment protocols for major health concerns such as HIV, addiction, long COVID-19, lung and heart health and other infectious diseases. Being named one of only 100 new members to the Academy this year recognizes her commitment and pledge to improving the health outcomes of West Virginians.”

Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors.

NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions.

In its announcement, NAM also highlighted Hodder’s leadership in the design and conduct of clinical trials, particularly among underserved rural and underrepresented populations, along with expertise in HIV treatment and prevention, rural health, addiction research, mentorship of young investigators and engagement of communities in research.

Hodder joined WVU in 2014 to lead the National Institutes of Health-funded West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute and has since been an integral part of supporting the University’s land-grant mission to serve the state and its people, developing critical connections among researchers, clinicians, health professionals and communities across West Virginia.