Two Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Faculty Members Elected to the National Academy of Medicine

Matthew Vander Heiden, MD, PhD

David Pellman, MD, and Matthew Vander Heiden, MD, PhD of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have been named to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.

Election into NAM recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Pellman is the Margaret M. Dyson Professor of Pediatric Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and professor of cell biology at Harvard Medical School, Boston. Vander Heiden is member of the Genitourinary Oncology program at Dana-Farber and is the director, of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

David Pellman, MD

Pellman’s lab focuses on cell division and chromosome segregation errors in cancer, and the impact of these errors on genome evolution and structure. In announcing his election today, the NAM cited Pellman’s work in, “identifying the mechanistic basis for mutational processes that generate a large fraction of the structural and numerical chromosome abnormalities in cancer and certain congenital diseases. In particular, his discovery of a mechanism explaining chromothripsis is considered a landmark in cancer genetics.”

Vander Heiden treats patients with genitourinary cancers at Dana-Farber and his laboratory is working to understand how metabolism supports cell physiology. The NAM recognized Vander Heiden for leadership in understanding cell metabolism and how it influences cancer initiation, progression, and therapy responses. His work has contributed to the development of approved therapies for cancer and anemia, and he is thought leader in understanding metabolic phenotypes and their relations to disease pathogenesis.

“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. “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.”

New members to NAM 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. A diversity of talent among NAM’s membership is assured by its Articles of Organization, which stipulate that at least one-quarter of the membership is selected from fields outside the health professions — for example, from such fields as law, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.

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.