For former ذكذكتسٍ¤ president Dr. Victor J. Dzau, philanthropy is a natural extension of a lifetime devoted to advancing medicine, improving health, and serving society.
A globally recognized physician-scientist, innovator, and leader, Dr. Dzau became the first person of color and the first immigrant to lead any of the three when he was appointed president of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2014. Under his leadership, the IOM transitioned into the National Academy of Medicine (ذكذكتسٍ¤), establishing a bold new vision that expanded the Academy’s reach, strengthened its global leadership, and positioned it to address the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century.
Ruth Dzau (left) and Victor Dzau (right) received Marie Curie and Heritage Society medals in recognition of their philanthropic contributions to the ذكذكتسٍ¤ in 2024.
Dr. Dzau’s commitment to the Academy extends well beyond his leadership. He has also been one of its most generous supporters, making philanthropic investments in the ذكذكتسٍ¤ President’s Discretionary Fund, the Harvey V. Fineberg Impact Fund, and the Cicerone Endowment, to name a few. He is a member of the Franklin Society (lifetime giving $500,000-$999,999) and the Heritage Society and, most recently, he donated an additional $250,000 to support the ذكذكتسٍ¤. His giving reflects a deep belief that the Academy must remain independent, agile, and prepared to provide trusted, evidence-based guidance when it is needed most.
With the support of the ذكذكتسٍ¤ Council, the keynote address at the ذكذكتسٍ¤ Annual Meeting has been named in honor of Dr. Dzau’s contributions. The inaugural Victor J. Dzau Lecture will be delivered by Drew Altman, President and CEO of KFF, on October 19, 2026.
“The National Academy of Medicine is a vital institution with a unique role in bringing together leaders from across science, medicine, health care, government, industry, and civil society to address the most pressing challenges facing health and medicine. By connecting members, policymakers, experts, and organizations from around the world, the ذكذكتسٍ¤ helps generate trusted evidence, foster collaboration, and catalyze action to improve health for everyone, everywhere.†— Victor J. Dzau, MD
During Dr. Dzau’s presidency, the ذكذكتسٍ¤ added “accelerating health equity” to its mission statement, launched groundbreaking collaborations on clinician well-being, genome editing, healthy longevity, climate change and health, and emerging technologies, while expanding opportunities to convene experts across sectors and around the world. These efforts have strengthened the Academy’s ability to anticipate future challenges and develop solutions grounded in science and evidence.
“The National Academies and the ذكذكتسٍ¤ have consistently spoken up for science, evidence-based policy making, and the broad societal benefits of sustained investment in biomedical and health research. We have never strayed from our commitment to health equity and our conviction that advancements in science, medicine, and health must be made accessible to all.” — Victor J. Dzau, MD
For Dr. Dzau, giving is more than an act of generosity, it is an investment in an institution he helped transform and one whose mission he believes is more essential today than ever before. His philanthropy helps ensure that the ذكذكتسٍ¤ will continue to bring individuals and institutions together around evidence-based solutions and to help translate knowledge into action.
Story by Casey Zia, Associate Director of Donor Relations and Communications, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
