Joe Heitman, PhD, James B. Duke Professor and chair of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, was one of the 100 new members elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Election to NAM is based on recognition of those who have made major contributions to advancing medical sciences, health care, and public health.
Heitman uses the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus to study sexual reproduction and the emergence and evolution of microbial pathogens. Other contributions include discovering the TOR and FKBP12 proteins as targets of the immunosuppressive drug rapamycin and defining nutrient sensing pathways in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae. Additional studies led to discovering unisexual reproduction and mechanisms of pathogenesis, drug action, and drug resistances with the pathogenic fungus Cryptocuccus neoformans and other human fungal pathogens.
“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,” NAM President Victor J. Dzau said. “Their expertise will be necessary to supporting NAM’s work to address the pressing health and scientific challenges we face today.”
Heitman is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences, and he has received numerous awards, including the Squibb Award, the ASBMB AMGEN Award, the Korsmeyer Award and the Novitski Prize.