Endocrine Society members Ursula B. Kaiser, MD, Daniel J. Drucker, MD, and Roger J. Davis, PhD, FRS, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).
Kaiser, Drucker, and Davis are three of the 90 regular members and 10 international members who were announced on October 9.
Kaiser, a past president of the Endocrine Society, is the chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, and George W. Thorn, MD, Distinguished Chair in Endocrinology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; and professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston. She was elected “for being an internationally recognized leader in reproductive neuroendocrinology. Her major scientific accomplishments include the unraveling of genetic and molecular mechanisms controlling pubertal timing and gonadotropin-releasing hormone activation and the regulation of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone secretion.“
Drucker, previous editor-in-chief of the Endocrine Society journal Endocrine Reviews, is a professor of medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and senior scientist, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. He was selected due to his “pioneering studies of gastrointestinal hormone action and elucidating multiple novel metabolic actions of GLP-1, DPP-4, and GLP-2. His discoveries enabled development of three new classes of medications (GLP-1R agonists, DPP4 inhibitors, GLP-2R agonists) that have transformed the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and short bowel syndrome.”
Davis, professor and chair, Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, was recognized for his “research leadership on mechanisms that mediate cellular stress responses. His seminal discoveries on the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway provide a foundation for understanding the molecular basis of metabolic inflammatory responses in the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.”
Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health.
“It is my honor to welcome this truly exceptional class of new members to the National Academy of Medicine,” says NAM President Victor J. Dzau. “Their contributions to health and medicine are unparalleled, and their leadership and expertise will be essential to helping the NAM tackle today’s urgent health challenges, inform the future of healthcare, and ensure health equity for the benefit of all around the globe.”
Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities.
Loading ...