Institute of Medicine of Chicago names 2026 leadership award winners

By AI, Created 2:00 PM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – The Institute of Medicine of Chicago has announced its 2026 Annual Leadership Awards ahead of its annual meeting focused on health equity and reducing disparities. The May 19 event in Chicago will also feature a keynote from Rosalind Franklin University President Dr. Aron Sousa and a transition to a new board and president.

Why it matters: - The awards recognize leaders working across healthcare, public health and population health at a time when health equity and access remain central concerns. - The annual meeting is positioned as a forum to highlight progress on reducing healthcare disparities and to set priorities for the year ahead. - The event also marks leadership transitions for the Institute of Medicine of Chicago, including a new president and board.

What happened: - The Institute of Medicine of Chicago announced its 2026 Annual Leadership Awards on May 19, 2026, in Chicago. - The awards will be presented at the Institute’s Annual Leadership Awards & Annual Meeting. - The 2026 honorees are Mildred Olivier, MD; Michael Rakotz, MD; Pamela Ganschow, MD; Debra Kissen, PhD, MHSA; Sandra Wilks, RN, MSN, CNE; and William McDade, MD. - The event also will honor the new Board of Governors and thank the 2025-2026 Board of Governors for its service.

The details: - Mildred Olivier, MD, will receive the IOMC Humanitarian Global Health Award. - Michael Rakotz, MD, will receive The Portes Foundation & IOMC Award for Excellence in Prevention of Disease. - Pamela Ganschow, MD, will be honored individually for IOMC Innovation in Health Care / Health Care Delivery. - Debra Kissen, PhD, MHSA, will receive the IOMC Innovation in Health Care / Health Care Delivery award for an organization. - Sandra Wilks, RN, MSN, CNE, will receive the IOMC Award for Public Service. - William McDade, MD, will receive the IOMC Lifetime Achievement Award. - Dr. Aron Sousa, MD, FACP, president of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a Fellow of IOMC, will deliver the keynote address. - Sousa’s talk is titled “Universities as Engines for Community Health.” - The keynote will highlight community-based work in Michigan and programs at Rosalind Franklin University, including the student-run Interprofessional Community Clinic, Community Care Connection and the Children’s Advocacy Center Medical Clinic. - The Children’s Advocacy Center Medical Clinic is described as the only one of its kind in Illinois. - The presentation will also highlight Rx Kids, a cash allowance program for mothers and babies. - The Institute thanked sponsors Golden Square and Labcorp, and listed Health News Illinois and Cannon as meeting partners. - The Institute said more information on sponsorship, the convening and its history is available at more information. - The Institute said more details and registration are available through its awards page.

Between the lines: - The awards lineup shows the Institute emphasizing prevention, innovation, public service and lifetime achievement as core pillars of its mission. - The keynote theme suggests a broader push to connect universities, public health, philanthropy and government in community health work. - The leadership transition signals continuity, with the organization pairing recognition of outgoing leaders with the introduction of incoming president Dr. Archana Chatterjee, MD, PhD.

What’s next: - The Institute will hold the Annual Leadership Awards & Annual Meeting in Chicago. - Dr. Archana Chatterjee, MD, PhD, will become the incoming 2026-2027 president. - The organization plans to set a collaborative agenda centered on advancing health equity and reducing disparities. - The new Board of Governors will begin its term after the meeting. - The Institute encourages attendees to register and learn more through its website.