The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has announced the election of two Yale School of Medicine (YSM) faculty members as new NAM members. Erol Fikrig, MD, is Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), professor of epidemiology (microbial diseases) and of microbial pathogenesis, and section chief for infectious disease in YSM’s Department of Internal Medicine. Haifan Lin, PhD, is Eugene Higgins Professor of Cell Biology; professor of genetics; of obstetrics, gynecology & reproductive sciences; and of dermatology; and director of the Yale Stem Cell Center. They are among 90 newly elected regular members of NAM, along with 10 international members.
In announcing Fikrig’s election, NAM cites his “mechanistic studies that led to an FDA-approved outer surface protein A-based human Lyme disease vaccine. He elucidated how arthropod-transmitted pathogens use vector proteins to infect mammals. These efforts led to an experimental vaccine to induce host resistance to tick bites, and therefore prevent Lyme disease — a new strategy for combatting infections.”
NAM honors Lin “for making key contributions to the validation of two hallmark stem cell theories: asymmetric division and niche hypotheses. He discovered the only gene family (argonaute/piwi genes) known to be essential for stem cell maintenance in both animals and plants. He discovered millions of small noncoding RNAs called piRNAs and established a new paradigm of genome regulation."
According to NAM, 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. “This class of new members represents the most exceptional researchers and leaders in health and medicine, who have made significant breakthroughs, led the response to major public health challenges, and advanced health equity,” says NAM President Victor J. Dzau, MD.
This year’s newly elected members bring NAM’s total membership to more than 2,400. NAM was originally established as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences. It 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.