The honor, announced on October 21, is among the highest in the health and medical field and is given to professionals who have shown exemplary dedication to advancing medical science and improving public health, according to a statement from the ANM.

Rogers, a trauma surgeon from Chicago who also holds a master’s degree in public health, was chosen “for paradigm-shifting interventions on hospital violence,” including his innovative forensic clinic, Recovery Legal Care, designed to address social factors of violence. and reduce repeat gun violence.”

In 2017, Rogers moved to Chicago, where he became founding director of the UChicago Medicine Trauma Center and executive vice president for Community Health Engagement at the University of Chicago Medicine.

He said his approach to trauma care in Chicago has centered on what he calls “a holistic approach to public health with an equity lens.”

His work in the Recovery Legal Care program has been largely funded by the National Institutes of Health and philanthropic donations, targeting the social determinants of violent trauma to prevent gun violence and improve long-term recovery.

“All forms of intentional trauma are my focus because it’s preventable and in some ways senseless,” Rogers said. “In Chicago, because of easy access to guns, 90 percent of intentional violence involves guns.”

The work positioned Rogers as a leading national voice advocating equity-based solutions to prevent gun injuries.

Gun violence, he acknowledged, disproportionately affects young people, with child gun deaths in the US exceeding those from car accidents or cancer.

He poignantly recalled one of his youngest trauma patients — a 1-year-old girl — a stark reminder of the need for solutions that address both the medical and social factors that contribute to gun violence.

NAM President Victor J. Dzau, in a statement announcing the new class of inductees, praised the contributions of Rogers and his fellow honorees, noting, “Their expertise will be needed to support NAM’s work to address the pressing challenges of health and scientific challenges we face today. “

Rogers’ path to NAM recognition began with what he described as “a passion for service rooted in his upbringing in the Virgin Islands.”

As a graduate of the Central High School Class of 1983, he fulfilled his dream of studying medicine at Johns Hopkins University on a full scholarship.

He later transferred to Harvard, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1987 with a major in biology.

Rogers also credits his mother, Lynnette Simmonds, for getting him where he is today, noting that he initially faced financial obstacles while attending Harvard Medical School. His mother encouraged him to continue his studies at Harvard instead of transferring to the University of California, San Francisco, where he was offered a full scholarship.

“Do what your mother tells you to do,” said Rogers, his love evident for his mother, now 86 and dealing with advanced dementia.

Her will – and his persistence – paid off when he eventually graduated from Harvard. He said he was initially interested in internal medicine or pediatrics, but eventually discovered his love for surgery.

“I found I liked surgery because it gave me a good mix of everything,” he said.

Rogers’ NAM election marks a milestone in a career dedicated to promoting community health and addressing social inequities. A professor of surgery and champion for trauma-informed care, his efforts to integrate medical, legal and social services in trauma care continue to garner national attention.

His story exemplifies how determination, family support and an unwavering commitment to community can turn passion into transformative change.

Although his career took him all over the country, Rogers maintained close ties to his home. He frequently visits St. Croix and plans to spend this Thanksgiving with his mother.

Asked how he would welcome the news of his honor, Rogers said he would undoubtedly be proud.

“She would be incredibly prompt and happy about my success. She would say hard work pays off,” he said.

According to Rogers, he considered bringing his work closer to home, noting that “It would be great to have a teaching hospital in St. Croix”.

Unfortunately, the Virgin Islands do not yet have the capacity to do this, despite years of attempts by the University of the Virgin Islands to establish a medical school.

Meanwhile, Rogers had praise for Virgin Islands colleague Dr. Albert Titus, who he said continued to provide general surgical care for the carp.

Asked what advice he has for young Virgin Islanders pursuing their dreams, the father of three said he encourages them and others to “find their passion.”

“If you find something you’re passionate about, you’ll pursue it. Try things if you don’t know what your passion is. Don’t be afraid to fail; you will fail in everything you try. You will learn from your failure,” he said.