#USA #New Haven #Medical Research #Yale School of Medicine #National Academy of Medicine

Yale Faculty Honored by National Academy of Medicine

In an outstanding recognition of their work, three faculty members from the Yale School of Medicine have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), an honor that acknowledges exceptional professional achievement and commitment to service in the realm of health and medicine. This prestigious election involves only 100 researchers each year and highlights the importance of their contributions to the field.

Distinguished Faculty Members

The elected members from Yale include:

• - Martina Brueckner, MD, who specializes in pediatrics (cardiology) and genetics.
• - Lieping Chen, MD, PhD, the United Technologies Corporation Professor in Cancer Research, known for his work in immunobiology, dermatology, and medical oncology.
• - Tamas Horvath, DVM, PhD, who holds the position of Jean and David W. Wallace Professor of Comparative Medicine, with a focus on neuroscience and reproductive sciences.

Contributions and Achievements

Martina Brueckner, noted for her groundbreaking research, has unveiled the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive vertebrate left-right asymmetry, which is crucial for the proper arrangement of organs. Additionally, she has made significant progress in identifying genetic factors responsible for approximately 40% of congenital heart diseases, underscoring the clinical implications of her work and its impact on future therapies.

Lieping Chen has made fundamental contributions that have expanded our understanding of cancer's ability to evade immune surveillance. His discovery of the PD-L1 molecule—present on cancer cells—has been pivotal in revealing how tumors suppress the immune response. Chen's research paved the way for innovative immunotherapies aimed at targeting PD-L1, thus enhancing the immune system’s capacity to combat cancers.

Tamas Horvath has transformed our understanding of how the hypothalamus coordinates metabolism by providing new insights into its regulation of brain functions and neurodegeneration. His findings have led to a paradigm shift in how researchers perceive integrative physiology, linking it to both health and disease outcomes.

A Legacy of Excellence at Yale

Brueckner, Chen, and Horvath will join approximately 2,500 existing members of the NAM, a testament to Yale School of Medicine's commitment to excellence in the medical field. Each year, the Academy inducts 100 new members, comprising 90 from the United States and 10 from abroad, all of whom are recognized for their exemplary contributions and service.

The Yale School of Medicine stands out as a beacon of innovation and leadership in medicine. With a robust faculty of over 1,700 physicians, it is dedicated to educating future leaders who are not only proficient in clinical care but also committed to advancing biomedical research. The Yale System of Medical Education emphasizes critical thinking and fosters an environment of independent inquiry, producing graduates who are well-equipped to lead in various domains of academic medicine.

This recognition of Yale's faculty not only signifies their personal achievements but also underscores the institution's reputation as a leader in shaping the future of health care and medical education worldwide.