Can We Prevent Gun Violence?

The National Academy of Medicine has just announced the election of a new group of members, who represent “the most exceptional researchers and leaders in health and medicine, who have made significant breakthroughs, led the response to major public health challenges, and advanced health equity,”

The new members are elected by the current members through a process which “recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health.”

One of the new members is our friend, Matt Miller, who holds a faculty position at Northeastern University and is also co-director of the Injury Control Research Center at Harvard University’s School of Public Health.

In that latter position, Dr. Miller conducts research on the use of guns to commit suicide, which according to the NAM, has resulted in “foundational epidemiological research on firearm access and suicide, enhanced our understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of suicide prevention via lethal means restriction, and developed clinical interventions illuminating how counseling patients and their families for reducing access to firearms can save lives.”

Congratulations Matt. The recognition is well deserved.