Ferris, Meltzer-Brody elected to National Academy of Medicine
They are the only physicians in North Carolina to receive this honor in health and medicine this year.
Two Carolina health affairs leaders have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine.
Dr. Robert L. Ferris is the Lineberger Distinguished Professor and executive director of Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital, and chief of oncology clinical services at UNC Health. Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody is the executive dean of UNC School of Medicine.
Ferris and Meltzer-Brody are the only physicians in North Carolina elected to the Academy this year. Election to the Academy recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. New members 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.
“We are so proud of Dr. Ferris and Dr. Meltzer-Brody for their work and dedication to conducting and fostering cutting-edge research, improving care for patients and educating the next generation of physicians,” said Dr. Cristy Page, interim CEO of UNC Health and dean of the UNC School of Medicine. “In addition, their leadership has helped further the mission of UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine by expanding oncology and psychiatric access and care for patients across North Carolina and beyond.”
Dr. Robert L. Ferris
Ferris was recognized for his work in optimizing the most effective therapies for head and neck cancer that changed clinical practice. He led the first positive Phase III trial and FDA-approval of PD-1 immunotherapy, including advancing neoadjuvant immunotherapy, and also changed National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines to permit deintensification for good prognosis, HPV+ cancer by reducing postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy after robotic surgery.
Ferris has published more than 420 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and was co-chair of the National Cancer Institute head and neck steering committee for six years to facilitate prospective clinical trials.
He is a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the recipient of numerous research and teaching awards.
Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody
Meltzer-Brody is an international expert in the study and treatment of women’s mood disorders. Her contributions include leading the major international study of the genetics of perinatal mood disorders and leading the trials demonstrating the efficacy of the only, and novel, treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration for postpartum depression.
Meltzer-Brody is an internationally recognized physician-scientist in perinatal depression. Her research has investigated the epidemiologic and biological predictors of perinatal depression and innovative treatment approaches (pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic), and led to new treatments, including the first FDA-approved medications for postpartum depression. She is a member of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the recipient of numerous research and teaching awards.
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. The academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge and increase public understanding of STEM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in the academies’ activities.
