UNC Urology is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Matthew Nielsen, Professor and Chair of Urology and Member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, for the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence Program.
The NAM Scholars program, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in collaboration with the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, seeks to cultivate a cadre of leaders equipped to drive implementation of effective diagnostic strategies.
Dr. Nielsen’s submitted proposal for the program focuses on the steps downstream from a PSA screening test. His proposed effort would leverage innovative programs optimizing the quality of prostate MRI, in partnership with radiologists, and novel MRI-targeted “fusion” biopsy, building on the UNC’s participation in nationally recognized improvement collaboratives in the space.
By combining these approaches at scale, the proposal would form a systematic strategy to improve quality and address historical disparities in the early detection of prostate cancer, as an initial step towards the goal of advancing Diagnostic Excellence across a broader range of conditions.
“With the focus on patient-centeredness, quality, equity, and cross-specialty collaboration, the concept of Diagnostic Excellence brings to life the values and purposes that animate what we do at UNC Urology and UNC Health more broadly. I could not be more grateful for this opportunity to advance this work at the national level.”
Matthew Nielsen, MD, MS, FACS
Professor and Chair of Urology
Alongside these future efforts, Dr. Nielsen has been serving on the National Quality Forum’s Diagnostic Excellence Committee, developing novel performance measures related to this topic.
About the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)
Founded in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) is one of three academies that make up the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) in the United States. The NAM has more than 2,400 members elected by their peers in recognition of outstanding achievement. Through a commitment to volunteer service, NAM members help guide the work and advance the mission of the NAM and the National Academies. Operating under the 1863 Congressional charter of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academies are private, nonprofit institutions that work outside of government to provide objective advice on matters of science, technology, and health.
The NAM has more than 2,400 members elected in recognition of professional achievement and commitment to volunteer service in activities of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies). The NAM elects no more than 90 regular members and 10 international members annually. For those at the top of their field, NAM membership reflects the height of professional achievement and commitment to service.