Kate Trout, an assistant professor with the Department of Health Sciences, was recently selected to participate in the National Academy of Medicine’s Emerging Leaders Forum. The invitation-only event was held April 8-9 at the academy’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Trout was nominated by Dr. Bob Phillips, a nationally respected leader in primary care research and health policy. Trout’s selection represents a significant milestone for Mizzou, as she is the first woman from the University of Missouri to receive this honor.

“It was an inspiring experience to be in the company of some of the nation’s most brilliant minds and academy members, including Dr. Sanjay Gupta — renowned neurosurgeon and Emmy-winning CNN chief medical correspondent — whose storytelling has helped shape global public health narratives,” Trout said.

Throughout the event, attendees engaged with leading experts in basic science, artificial intelligence and health systems innovation. They also had the opportunity to hear from the former president of the World Bank Group, adding a global perspective to the intersections of development, health and medicine.

Trout’s research focuses on creating equitable health systems in the U.S. and internationally through the use of health information technologies, workforce development, and health policy. She’s currently the co-principal investigator on a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator program. The project aims to develop innovative technology to rapidly detect and mitigate salmonella and other foodborne pathogens in the poultry supply chain.

“I left the event truly energized to keep pushing for transformative health systems,” Trout said. “The future of health demands bold, collaborative leadership.”