John C. Byrd, MD, elected to the National Academy of Medicine

Byrd is internationally renowned for his work in hematologic malignancies, particularly the development of targeted therapies for leukemia. His decades-long career has been shaped by deep collaboration — with clinical and research teams across the country and many talented colleagues at UC.

“To be elected to the National Academy of Medicine is truly one of the most humbling and significant honors a physician-scientist can receive,” said Byrd. “While it is an individual recognition, it fundamentally represents the dedication and passion of the incredible clinical and research teams I’ve worked alongside for years. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues, particularly those at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, The Ohio State University, and lastly, here at the University of Cincinnati, who have helped make this career-long journey possible.  As a career of impact requires family support, I am most appreciative of my wife, Laura, and sons, Edward and William.”

During his tenure at the College of Medicine as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine, Byrd has been a driving force in recruiting talented physicians, building clinical programs, advancing clinical and translational research and strengthening institutional collaboration between colleges in the health sciences, with particular focus on the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy and Cincinnati Children’s. He has actively recruited novel clinical trials that have enabled other faculty at UC to lead and grow their careers, while bringing novel therapies to patients in the Cincinnati area. 

“The foundation of this recognition lies in translational work — bringing new discoveries from the laboratory directly to the patient bedside,” Byrd reflected. “The development of targeted therapies for CLL and AML, which have changed clinical standards, are milestones made possible by persistence and a supportive academic environment, particularly during my years as chair at Cincinnati. Our team involving Drs. Erin Hertlein, Ola Elgamal, Sara Elgamal, Zulfa Omer and Emily Curran enabled collaborative research to bring four novel agents to the clinic.” 

Byrd will transition to his new role as director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Hillman Cancer Center in November, but will continue to support the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center by serving on the scientific advisory board and mentoring several junior faculty members. His leadership, scholarship and dedication to empathetic patient care will leave a lasting imprint on the UC College of Medicine and the broader scientific community.

“My message to the UC community is this: Prioritize curiosity and collaboration and continue the journey to Cancer Center NCI designation,” Byrd said. “The support provided by the community, including from Craig and Frances Lindner, John and Carrie Hayden, Jim and Cathy Orr and many others, has paved the path to reach this benchmark. The prioritization of the University of Cincinnati, UC Health and Cincinnati Children’s to this goal is never stronger! Despite transitioning to another role, I really look forward to supporting the team here in Cincinnati to hitting this goal.”

The College of Medicine congratulates Byrd on this extraordinary achievement and thanks him for his continuing exceptional leadership and service.

Featured image at top: The exterior of the UC College of Medicine's CARE/CRAWLEY building.