Top 2026 Awards from Society of General Internal Medicine Recognize Health Economics Faculty
Three distinguished faculty members from the University of Pennsylvania's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI) have been honored with top awards by the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) for 2026. The recipients, Rachel M. Werner, MD, PhD; Eric T. Roberts, PhD; and Joseph Nwadiuko, MD, PhD, will receive their awards at the SGIM Annual Meeting on May 7 in Washington, D.C.
SGIM, a professional body with over 3,300 members, focuses on improving healthcare delivery, reducing disparities, and enhancing interdisciplinary work among academic internists. Rachel M. Werner has been awarded the John M. Eisenberg National Award for Career Achievements in Research, acknowledging her transformative research in patient care practices, educational approaches, and health policies.
John Malfi, MD, MPH, Chair of the SGIM Eisenberg Award Selection Committee, praised Werner's impact on federal health policy. Her research has critically assessed public reporting and financial incentives, highlighting their shortcomings in improving care quality and their potential to exacerbate disparities. Her contributions have led to policy shifts that integrate equity into quality assessments.
Werner's work has been extensively cited, shaping national healthcare policy conversations. As Executive Director of the Leonard Davis Institute, Werner has enhanced research capabilities, secured significant funding, and facilitated major collaborations, underscoring her influence in healthcare delivery.
Eric T. Roberts received the SGIM Best Published Research Paper of the Year Award for his paper "Loss of Subsidized Drug Coverage and Mortality among Medicare Beneficiaries," published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The study demonstrated a link between the loss of subsidized drug coverage and increased mortality among low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
Roberts' research focuses on the financing and delivery aspects of U.S. public insurance programs, particularly for low-income individuals and dual eligibles. His work examines the implications of payment system reforms on care disparities, significantly contributing to the field.
Joseph Nwadiuko, an assistant professor, was awarded the SGIM Founders Grant for his study on the impact of healthcare privatization on mortality in Texas county jails. The grant supports early-career researchers, allowing Nwadiuko to further explore crucial issues in global health and systems, especially concerning immigration and incarceration-related health impacts.