An interview with Samuel O. Thier. Interview by Carmella A. Bocchino

The Institute of Medicine (IOM), a component of the National Academy of Sciences, has become a close advisor to the federal government and exercises considerable influence on developing public health policy. Since 1985, Samuel O. Thier, MD, has served as President of the Institute. In this interview, Dr. Thier discusses the role IOM plays in setting national policies, its relationship to both the public and private sector, and his goals for the Institute of Medicine.