Yale Faculty Members Elected to National Academy of Medicine

Strategic Insights -

Yale School of Medicine faculty members professor of pediatrics and genetics, Dr. Chen, and Dr. Horvath, were among the 100 researchers elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in 2025 for their outstanding contributions to health and medicine. The election recognizes their dedication to service and professional achievement, with Dr. - recognizing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vertebrate left-right asymmetry and a genetic cause for approximately 40% of congenital heart disease, and Dr. Horvath providing novel insights into how the hypothalamus regulates metabolism. Dr. Chen's work on the PD-L1 molecule, a protein expressed on cancer cells, has laid the groundwork for key immunotherapies. The three doctors join the approximately 2,500 current members of NAM, making Yale a significant contributor to the medical field.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. , professor of pediatrics and genetics, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine for her discovery of a genetic cause for approximately 40% of congenital heart disease and her work on cellular and molecular mechanisms of vertebrate left-right asymmetry.
  • Dr. Chen, United Technologies Corporation Professor in Cancer Research and professor of immunobiology, dermatology, and medicine, was elected for his fundamental contributions to understanding how cancers evade immune detection, including the discovery of the PD-L1 molecule and its role in promoting tumor growth.
  • Dr. Horvath, Jean and David W. Wallace Professor of Comparative Medicine and professor of neuroscience and obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, was recognized for providing novel insights into how the hypothalamus regulates metabolism, changing researchers' concepts of integrative physiology in health and disease.
  • The three doctors join the approximately 2,500 current members of the National Academy of Medicine, with a total of 90 new members from the United States and 10 international members elected in 2025.
  • The elections recognize outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service, with NAM being one of the highest honors in health and medicine.
  • Yale School of Medicine emphasizes critical thinking and independent research through the Yale System of Medical Education, producing leaders in academic medicine.

Statistics:

  • 100 researchers were elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2025, with 90 from the United States and 10 international members.
  • The total number of current NAM members is approximately 2,500, with the three Yale faculty members joining them in 2025.
  • Approximately 40% of congenital heart disease can be attributed to a genetic cause, according to Dr. 's research.
  • 90% of new NAM members are from the United States, with 10% being international members.

Sources:

  • "Three Yale Faculty Members Elected to National Academy of Medicine," PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE, October 20, 2025.
  • "Yale School of Medicine," Yale School of Medicine.