#USA #New Haven #Medical Research #Yale University #NAM 2025

Yale Faculty Members Achieve National Recognition

In a remarkable acknowledgment of distinguished achievements in the realm of health and medicine, three faculty members from Yale School of Medicine have been elected to join the esteemed ranks of the 2025 National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This accolade is a testament to their exceptional contributions and dedication to their professional fields, solidifying their status among the top researchers in the United States.

The honorees include:
1. Dr. Martina Brueckner - Renowned for her role as the Professor of Pediatrics (Cardiology) and Genetics, Dr. Brueckner has been awarded for her groundbreaking work elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the asymmetric organization and localization of organs in vertebrates. Her research has revealed the genetic underpinnings behind nearly 40% of congenital heart diseases, making her a pivotal figure in pediatric cardiology and genetics.

2. Dr. Lieping Chen - As the United Technologies Corporation Professor of Cancer Research, Dermatology, and Medicine (Medical Oncology), Dr. Chen has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of how cancer cells evade immune detection. His discovery of the PD-L1 molecule, a protein expressed on cancer cells that suppresses immune responses and aids tumor growth, underscores the significance of his work. Dr. Chen’s insights into the upregulation of PD-L1 in various cancers have been instrumental in paving the way for immunotherapies that enable the immune system to target and eliminate tumors.

3. Dr. Tamas Horvath - The Jean and David W. Wallace Professor of Comparative Medicine, Neuroscience, and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Dr. Horvath has provided novel insights into how the hypothalamus regulates metabolism. His investigations have revealed that hypothalamic metabolic circuits influence higher brain functions and neurodegeneration, thereby reshaping our understanding of physiology in both health and disease.

With these remarkable additions, the total membership of the NAM now exceeds 2,500. Each year, 100 new members (comprising 90 from the United States and 10 international members) are elected based on the endorsements of their peers within the Academy, emphasizing the merit-based selection process.

About Yale School of Medicine

Yale School of Medicine has been at the forefront of medical and scientific education, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in medicine and biomedical research. The institution is recognized globally for its leadership in biomedical research, clinical care, and medical education. With more than 1,700 physicians, Yale University provides patient-centered care enriched by a commitment to humanity and excellence. The medical education program emphasizes critical thinking and independent inquiry, cultivating leaders ready to excel in academic medicine.

As these distinguished faculty members continue to innovate and inspire within their fields, their recognition by the National Academy of Medicine highlights the vital impact of their work on the broader medical community. This honor not only reflects their individual accomplishments but also reinforces Yale's status as a powerhouse in health and medicine.