Advancing Health Equity: Inside the Institute of Medicine of Chicago's 2026 Leadership Awards

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC) discussed its 2026 Annual Leadership Awards, which recognize leaders working to reduce healthcare disparities and advance health equity. In an interview with outgoing President Dr. Lorenzo Pence and incoming President Dr. Archana Chatterjee, IOMC said the awards highlight innovation and collaboration aimed at improving equitable access to care and outcomes. The discussion noted that honorees span areas including global humanitarian health, preventive health, and behavioral health. Pence said selection emphasizes leaders who combine vision with execution, commitment to underserved communities, and the ability to build partnerships and deliver workable solutions. The interview also addressed the role of academic institutions and student-run clinics in culturally competent, community-engaged care, and how philanthropic efforts such as Rx Kids—described as using universal cash allowances for maternal and newborn health—can target social determinants.