CU Anschutz Celebrates Four Faculty Elected to National Academy of Medicine

The four faculty members represent the university's largest group elected in a single year, recognizing contributions to medicine, healthcare and scientific discovery

AURORA, Colo., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Four faculty members from the University of Colorado Anschutz have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in medicine and science.

The academy recognizes individuals for exceptional professional achievements and contributions to advancing science, improving health and shaping the future of healthcare. The academy elects up to 100 new members annually, including up to 90 regular members and 10 international members, making selection highly competitive.

The election of four faculty members in a single year marks a milestone for CU Anschutz and reflects the research excellence across the university.

"This is an extraordinary moment for CU Anschutz," said Don Elliman, CU Anschutz chancellor. "Election to the National Academy of Medicine is among the highest distinctions in medicine and science. Having four of our faculty recognized in the same year is a testament to the significance of their contributions and the exceptional depth of talent across our campus."

CU Anschutz's 2026 National Academy of Medicine inductees:

Lilia Cervantes, MD
Lilia Cervantes is a nationally recognized physician-researcher whose work has exposed profound inequities in kidney care for undocumented immigrants. By combining community-engaged research, clinical care and policy advocacy, she is advancing more equitable approaches to kidney health and addressing the structural barriers that prevent marginalized communities from receiving lifesaving care.

Matthew Wynia, MD, MPH
Matthew Wynia is a global leader in bioethics whose work has shaped conversations about medical professionalism, healthcare disparities, patient safety and the ethical responsibilities of health professionals. Through his research, leadership and service to national organizations, he has helped advance a more ethical, equitable and accountable healthcare system.

Vik Bebarta, MD
Vik Bebarta is an internationally recognized emergency physician and physician-scientist whose research is advancing 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, he has helped translate scientific discoveries into practical interventions that improve care for service members and civilians.

Lauren S. Hughes, MD, MPH, MsC, FAAFP
Lauren Hughes is a nationally renowned physician and health policy expert whose work 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.

Election to the National Academy of Medicine follows a rigorous nomination and selection process, with candidates evaluated for their professional achievements and contributions to health and medicine.

"Behind every election to the National Academy of Medicine is a body of work that has made a meaningful difference in the field," said John H. Sampson, MD, PhD, MBA, dean of the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. "These four CU Anschutz School of Medicine faculty members exemplify the intellectual leadership, scientific excellence and dedication to improving human health that define CU Anschutz. Their election is a tremendous honor for each of them and a point of pride for our entire academic community."

The National Academy of Medicine brings together experts from medicine, science, public health and other fields to address critical challenges in health and healthcare. Its members contribute expertise to initiatives that inform research, practice and public policy.

For CU Anschutz, this year's elections offer an opportunity to celebrate four exceptional faculty members while underscoring the university's broader contributions to discovery, education, clinical care and public health policy.

About the University of Colorado Anschutz
The University of Colorado 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.

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SOURCE University of Colorado Anschutz