Beatriz Luna and Mary L. Phillips, both in the Department of Psychiatry, were elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This recognition is among the highest honors in health and medicine, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to the medical sciences, health care and public health. Originally established as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine operates alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Together, they provide independent, objective analysis and advice to inform public policy decisions and address complex issues in health, science and medicine.
NAM's mission is to address critical issues in health, medicine and related fields, inspiring cross-sector collaboration and positive action. Its members are among the most accomplished professionals in their respective fields, and they commit to volunteer their expertise to support NAM’s initiatives. NAM’s work informs government policies, guides health care practices, and fosters public health improvements globally. This year, NAM elected 90 regular members and 10 international members.
Luna is the Staunton Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology. She also holds secondary appointments in the School of Medicine as professor of radiology and of pediatrics.
Luna has been honored for her transformative research in adolescent neurocognitive development. Her work has uncovered neural mechanisms of plasticity that support the transition from adolescence to adulthood, significantly advancing our understanding of cognitive and motivational systems.
Phillips holds the Pittsburgh Foundation-Emmerling Chair in Psychotic Disorders and is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, as well as a professor of clinical and translational science. She has been recognized for her use of neuroimaging and translational approaches to understand bipolar disorder and depression. Her research has identified biomarkers that improve early mood disorder diagnosis and risk identification in youth, providing new avenues for treatment through neuromodulation.
Luna and Phillips join a list of 22 other esteemed University of Pittsburgh faculty who have been elected to NAM.
Congratulations to the distinguished 2024 National Academy of Medicine electees.