Five Indian Americans elected to National Academy of Medicine

# Five Indian Americans Elected to National Academy of Medicine’s 2026 Class

The National Academy of Medicine has elected 90 regular members and 10 international members to its 2026 class, recognizing achievements across medical research, health care and public health. Among those selected are five Indian Americans whose work spans biomedical engineering, emergency medicine, cardiovascular genetics, health communication and health policy.

Election to the academy is considered one of the highest honors in the health and medical fields. Candidates are chosen by existing members for significant contributions to medical science, clinical care and public health.

### Ashutosh Chilkoti: Advancing Biomedical Engineering

Ashutosh Chilkoti, Alan L. Kaganov Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, was recognized for advances in drug delivery, protein purification and diagnostic technologies.

His research includes the development of artificial polypeptides that entered clinical trials for sustained delivery of protein-based drugs. He also created a method to purify protein drugs and viral vectors without chromatography, advanced point-of-care diagnostic technologies and developed an approach intended to eliminate immune responses associated with PEGylated biologics.

### Vikhyat S. Bebarta: Improving Emergency and Trauma Care

Vikhyat S. Bebarta, professor and chair of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, was elected for his contributions to emergency medicine, trauma care and brain health research.

He is the founding director of the campus’ COMBAT Medical Research Center. His work includes clinical research involving military personnel, veterans and civilian patients, alongside efforts to strengthen emergency and acute care practices.

The academy also recognized his contributions to health systems and national health and defense policy, as well as his development of research partnerships connecting military and civilian medical institutions.

### Kiran Musunuru: Advancing Cardiovascular Genetics and Gene Editing

Kiran Musunuru, Barry J. Gertz Professor for Translational Research at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, was recognized for discoveries related to cardiovascular disease and gene-editing treatments.

His research has identified genes and biological mechanisms involved in cardiovascular conditions. He has also contributed to the development of somatic gene-editing therapies, including the first demonstration of therapeutic base editing in human patients and the development of the first bespoke gene-editing treatment administered to an individual patient, according to the academy.

### Vish Viswanath: Addressing Health Communication and Inequities

Kasisomayajula “Vish” Viswanath, Lee Kum Kee Professor of Health Communication at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, was elected for his work in communication science and health inequities.

The academy highlighted his efforts to translate communication research into practical public health initiatives. His work has influenced both academic research and professional practice, with findings and approaches used by local, national and international organizations.

### Meena Seshamani: Shaping Health Policy and Access to Care

Meena Seshamani, secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, was recognized for her contributions to Medicare, payment reform and public health policy.

According to the academy, her work includes efforts to improve prescription drug affordability, expand rural and women’s health services, and protect access to vaccines. Her election recognizes contributions that connect health policy decisions with the affordability and accessibility of medical services.

### Academy Membership Exceeds 2,600

The five Indian American honorees join a new class of researchers, physicians and health leaders selected for their contributions to medicine and public health.

With the latest elections, the National Academy of Medicine’s membership has grown to more than 2,600, including over 200 international members. Members also commit to contributing their expertise to National Academies initiatives, which provide independent analysis and advice on issues involving health, science and public policy.

The 2026 selections highlight work across laboratory research, clinical medicine, communication and government policy, reflecting the broad range of expertise involved in improving health outcomes.