Alexis A. Thompson, MD, MPH Mitchell J. Weiss, MD, PhD
The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the addition of 100 new members, including two members of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), during its annual meeting. Considered one of the highest honors in health and medicine, election into NAM recognizes exceptional achievement and service among health care and medical professionals. The new members were elected by current members and bring the total membership to more than 2,400.
One of the notable new elects is Alexis A. Thompson, MD, MPH, who is an ASH member and former ASH president. Dr. Thompson is chief of the Division of Hematology and the Elias Schwartz, MD, Endowed Chair in Hematology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Thompson was recognized for her leadership in the field of sickle cell disease (SCD). Her recent work includes involvement in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of new SCD therapeutics including gene therapy, efforts to improve SCD care for children in sub-Saharan Africa, and development of the first national SCD learning community and largest SCD data repository.
Mitchell J. Weiss, MD, PhD, another ASH member, was also elected to NAM. Dr. Weiss is the chair of the Department of Hematology and the Arthur Nienhuis Endowed Chair in Hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Weiss was recognized for his work in characterizing blood cell development and the pathogenesis of red blood cell diseases. He applied embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cell technologies to develop new therapeutic approaches and study erythropoiesis. His work has identified alpha-hemoglobin-stabilizing protein as a key regulator of alpha globin folding and defined roles for noncoding RNAs in hematopoiesis.
“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,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau, MD. “Their expertise will be necessary to supporting NAM’s work to address the pressing health and scientific challenges we face today. It is my privilege to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine.”
Source: NAM, October 21, 2024.
