Howard University’s Dean Andrea Hayes Dixon Elected to Prestigious National Academy of Medicine

Andrea Hayes Dixon, M.D., FACS, dean and senior vice president of health affairs at Howard University College of Medicine, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) – one of the highest honors in health and medicine.

NAM recognized Dr. Hayes Dixon “for pioneering cytoreductive therapy for rare pediatric cancers, increasing survival rates from 30 percent to 70 percent.” A trailblazer throughout her career, she is the first African American woman to become a board-certified pediatric surgeon in the U.S., the first woman to lead Howard’s College of Medicine – the oldest medical school at a historically Black university – and the first surgeon globally to perform a high-risk, life-saving procedure for adolescents with rare abdominal cancers.

“Being elected to the National Academy of Medicine is an incredible honor,” said Hayes Dixon. “Over 20 years of studying rare childhood cancers, I’ve aimed not just to contribute – but to transform how we treat these diseases and move closer to cures.”

Her election underscores her dual impact as a clinician-scientist and a mentor shaping the next generation of diverse physicians. She currently serves as president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association and a regent of the American College of Surgeons, and was named one of Modern Healthcare’s 2024 Most Influential People in Healthcare.

“Andrea Hayes Dixon embodies the highest ideals of medicine – excellence, innovation, and equity,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, Howard University interim president and NAM member. “Her leadership elevates Howard’s legacy and advances health care nationwide.”

Hayes Dixon joins a distinguished cohort of Howard-affiliated NAM members, including Dr. Frederick, surgical pioneer LaSalle D. Leffall Jr., dental leader Jeanne Craig Sinkford, and pediatrician Renée R. Jenkins.

Founded in 1970, the National Academy of Medicine provides independent, evidence-based counsel on critical health and science policy issues. Membership is limited to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to medicine, public health, and related fields – including law, engineering, and social sciences.