Philadelphia, May 15,2025 — The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) announced today that Laura L. Sessums will serve as its next Chief Medical Officer, effective June 2, 2025. In addition to maintaining active clinical practice, Dr. Sessums has distinguished herself in healthcare leadership, policy innovation and medical education over the past 20 years.
Dr. Sessums will play a central role in continuing to foster ABIM’s relationships with physicians and medical specialty societies, as well as developing new opportunities to collaborate with healthcare partners, including patients and the public.
“In thinking about who could help ABIM advance its mission and strengthen the credential with an expanding circle of stakeholders, we searched for someone with a breadth of leadership experience across the healthcare system who also understands that medicine ultimately comes down to the relationships between physicians and patients that are developed in exam rooms across the country every day,” said Furman S. McDonald, MD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer of ABIM and the ABIM Foundation.
“After an extensive national search, I can say with confidence that Dr. Sessums is exactly that person,” he continued. “Her fresh perspective and thoughtful, innovative approach to problem-solving will be invaluable as ABIM continues to explore ways to enhance our programs on behalf of the profession and for the public."
Dr. Sessums’ most recent role was Chief Physician at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, where she co-led the development of a multi-state healthcare extension service to accelerate evidence-based practice. She also spearheaded efforts to modernize the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems surveys for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and built strong partnerships across CMS and other Health and Human Services agencies. Her work included clinical and strategic leadership on national initiatives addressing Long COVID, emergency department boarding and primary care improvement.
“ABIM plays such an important role in health care by supporting doctors and helping them stay current with their medical knowledge to provide excellent patient care,” said Dr. Sessums. “As a board certified internist, I’ve seen how ABIM has listened to the community and made changes to better serve the needs of today's doctors. I look forward to connecting with the community and to hearing new ideas on how we can move this important work forward together."
Dr. Sessums’ career also includes significant contributions to academic medicine. She served as a clinician-educator at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where she was the Chief of the General Medicine Section. She currently serves as Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine with Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Dr. Sessums succeeds Richard G. Battaglia, MD, FACP, who announced his retirement in September 2024.
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About ABIM
ABIM’s mission is to enhance the quality of health care by certifying internists and subspecialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.