Institute of Medicine of Chicago Congratulates the Class of 2026 – New Fellows

Institute of Medicine of Chicago

Advancing health equity by reducing healthcare disparities

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, August 31, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Institute of Medicine of Chicago congratulates the Class of 2026 Fellows! This esteemed recognition, awarded by the Board of Governors, celebrates their outstanding achievements in health care and public health. On June 25, 2026, fifteen remarkable leaders were warmly inducted into the Institute during the 2026 Leadership Awards and Annual Meeting.

“The Class of 2026 Fellows truly embody the founding mission of the Institute, and we are delighted to welcome them into our community. Their diverse accomplishments highlight a shared passion for advancing health equity and making meaningful change within their unique areas of expertise,” said Archana Chatterjee, MD, PhD, President of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, Dean of Chicago Medical School, and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs at Rosalind Franklin University & Chicago Medical School.

The Institute was founded in 1915 to promote the study and advancement of health sciences for the benefit of human needs. Today, it proudly continues its mission, working to advance health equity and reduce healthcare disparities across our communities.

Class of 2026

Nutan A. Atre-Vaidya, MD - Professor, Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Engagement, Chicago Medical School.

Gloria Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN – Director, RN to BSN Program, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago.

Monideepa B. Becerra, DrPH, MPH - Professor and Chair, Department of Population Health & Administration, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

James Carlson, PhD, PA-C, CHSE-A - Interim Provost, Associate Provost for Innovation, Vice President for Interprofessional Education and Simulation, and Professor, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Paul E. Casey, MD, MBA, FACEP - Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Rush University System for Health, and Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center. 

Shelley A. Davis, MUPP - CEO, South Shore Synergy, LLC.

Lakshmi Emory, MD, MPH, Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, Regional Vice President of Health Services/ Chief Medical Officer, Illinois - Humana.

Russel Fiorella, MD, MBA, FCAP, FACHE - System Chief Medical Officer/Executive Vice President Medical Affairs at Sinai Health System.

Maria V. Gomez, MD, Emergency Medicine Physician Attending, Aurora Advocate Health at Mount Pleasant Medical Center and Kenosha Medical Center.

Raghav Govindarajan, MD - FAAN, FANA, FACP, FRCP, FNYAM, HSHS Medical Group, Neurosciences O'Fallon.

Shikha Jain, MD, FACP – Hematology and Oncology, UI Health.

Heather Prendergast, MD, MS, MPH, MHA, MBA - Professor of Emergency Medicine and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Amanda Simanek, PhD, MPH - Director, Michael Reese Foundation Center for Health Equity Research, & Professor, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Aron Sousa, MD, FACP-President, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Rolla Sweis, PharmD, MA - CEO & President, LaRabida Children’s Hospital.

The evening’s fundraising celebration included leadership awards, a keynote address by Dr. Aron Sousa, MD, FACP, President of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, exhibitors, and networking to support the mission of ‘advancing health equity by reducing healthcare disparities.’

The Institute is grateful for the support of its sponsors: Golden Square, Labcorp, QuickRx Pharmacy, and Merck. Table Sponsors and contributors included CPASS Foundation, The Portes Foundation, Light on Anxiety Treatment Centers, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Michael Reese Research and Education Foundation, University of Chicago Medicine, and Dr. Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker and Dr. Eric Whitaker. Our meeting partners included Canon and Health News Illinois.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is a vibrant, forward-thinking organization that brings together industry leaders, community advocates, and experts from across Chicagoland and the State of Illinois. Our Fellows—an inspiring group of clinicians, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, lawyers, policymakers, advocates, academic and hospital leaders, and executives—are united by a passion for meaningful change and play a vital role in transforming the healthcare landscape.

The Institute is dedicated to addressing crucial issues like access to care, behavioral health, maternal and child health, social determinants of health, lead exposure in children, and other pressing social challenges. By fostering collaborative conversations and championing evidence-based strategies, we strive to improve resources, reduce disparities, and create healthier communities for all.

If you are interested in becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, please visit this page for more information.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC), founded in 1915, is an independent, nonprofit organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve public health. Drawing on the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through interdisciplinary approaches, including education, research, the dissemination of trusted information, and community engagement. With the public's health at its core, IOMC is building programs to better meet the needs of its members, Chicago, its counties, and the State of Illinois. Visit www.iomc.org.

Media and interviews welcome. Contact us for details at media@iomc.org.

Deborah J Hodges
Institute of Medicine of Chicago
+1 312-709-2685
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