UNC Health physician-leaders receive one of the highest honors in health and medicine
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Two renowned UNC Health physicians, Dr. Robert Ferris and Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in the fields of health and 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.”
Here are more details about the two newest NAM members from UNC Health:
Robert L. Ferris, M.D., Ph.D., Lineberger Distinguished Professor and executive director, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, N.C. Basnight Cancer Hospital; and chief of oncology clinical services, UNC Health
- For his work in optimizing most effective therapies for head and neck cancer that changed clinical practice, leading the first positive Phase III trial and FDA-approval of PD-1 immunotherapy, including advancing neoadjuvant immunotherapy, and changing 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.
Samantha Meltzer-Brody, M.D., M.P.H., Executive Dean, UNC School of Medicine
- For being 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, FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression.
- Meltzer-Brody was named the Executive Dean of the UNC School of Medicine in January 2025 and is the Assad Meymandi Distinguished Professor. From 2019-March 2025, she served as Chair of UNC’s Department of Psychiatry, where she also directed the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders.
- 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 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities. Learn more at nam.edu/.
Ferris and Meltzer-Brody join the list of other physicians and researchers affiliated with UNC who are members of NAM. Read more here: research.unc.edu/impact/facts-rankings/faculty-university-distinctions/iom/
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 20 hospitals and more than 900 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine.
UNC Health exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching and research mission of the UNC School of Medicine. UNC Health provided more than $800 million in Uncompensated Charity Care during the past five years. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety, and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.