Four Faculty Members Elected to National Academy of Medicine at CU Anschutz
News related to:University of Colorado Anschutz · 2 min read
AURORA, Colo., Oct. 19, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The University of Colorado Anschutz has achieved a significant milestone, with four faculty members elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in a single year. This marks the largest group of CU Anschutz faculty elected to the NAM in a single year, recognizing their exceptional contributions to medicine, healthcare, and scientific discovery.
Among the inductees are Lilia Cervantes, Matthew Wynia, Vik Bebarta, and Lauren Hughes. Cervantes, a physician-researcher, has highlighted the profound inequities in kidney care for undocumented immigrants. Her work combines community-engaged research, clinical care, and policy advocacy to advance more equitable approaches to kidney health and address structural barriers that prevent marginalized communities from receiving lifesaving care.
Matthew Wynia, a global leader in bioethics, has shaped conversations on medical professionalism, healthcare disparities, patient safety, and the ethical responsibilities of health professionals. His research, leadership, and service to national organizations have helped advance a more ethical, equitable, and accountable healthcare system.
Vik Bebarta, an internationally recognized emergency physician and physician-scientist, has advanced treatments for life-threatening injuries and other medical emergencies in both military and civilian settings. As a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, chair of emergency medicine, and founding director of the CU Anschutz Combat Medicine Research Center, Bebarta has translated scientific discoveries into practical interventions that improve care for service members and civilians.
Lauren Hughes, a nationally renowned physician and health policy expert, focuses on strengthening health systems and improving access to high-quality care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Her distinctive combination of clinical experience, policy expertise, and implementation leadership helps bridge the gap between health policy innovation and meaningful improvements in care delivery.
The National Academy of Medicine elects up to 100 new members annually, including up to 90 regular members and 10 international members. This highly competitive process recognizes individuals for their professional achievements and contributions to advancing science, improving health, and shaping the future of healthcare.
CU Anschutz is a world-class academic medical campus leading transformative advances in science, medicine, education, and patient care. The campus includes the University of Colorado's health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado, which see nearly three million adult and pediatric patient visits each year.
Innovative, interconnected, and highly collaborative, CU Anschutz delivers life-changing treatments, exceptional patient care, and top-tier professional training. The campus conducts world-renowned research supported by $890 million in funding, including $762 million in sponsored awards and $128 million in philanthropic gifts for research.