Newswise — Two members of the faculty of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Drs. Derek Abbott and Goutham Narla, have been inducted into the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious medical honor societies for physician-scientists. ASCI emphasizes translating findings in the laboratory to the advancement of clinical practice.

Election to the Society reflects a major early-to-mid-career achievement since new members must be 50 years of age or younger. The 2016 Case Western inductees are:Derek Abbott, MD, PhD, the Arline H. and Curtis F. Garvin Professor of Medicine; Dr. Abbott was elected for his work combining molecular, bioinformatic, and proteomic approaches to identify and pharmaceutically target novel inflammatory signaling pathways. Cell signaling governs basic cellular activities and coordinates cell actions. Disturbance or errors within this communication chain can lead to various diseases and cancers. Better understanding of cell signaling can lead to more effective treatment of diseases.

Goutham Narla, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Case Western Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine and Pardee-Gerstacker Professor in Cancer Research at the School of Medicine. He also is a University Hospitals Harrington Discovery Institute Distinguished Scholar (early career award), as well as a medical geneticist at UH Case Medical Center, specializing in the care of high risk cancer patients. Dr. Narla was elected for his contributions to an understanding of novel mechanisms of tumor suppressor gene inactivation. His work includes the development of strategies to reactivate tumor suppressor gene function for treating human cancer.

“I know I speak for all of their colleagues in congratulating Derek and Goutham on this outstanding accomplishment,” said Pamela B. Davis, MD, PhD, dean of the School of Medicine and senior vice president for medical affairs at Case Western Reserve University. “These outstanding physician-scientists possess idealism backed by superb technical skills and will be at the front of the pack in taking their discoveries right to patients.”

“Being recognized by an organization as prestigious as the ASCI is a major milestone in one’s academic career and speaks volumes to the high regard with which Derek and Goutham are viewed at the national level,” added former ASCI President Mukesh K. Jain who serves as Scientific Director, Harrington Discovery Institute, Chief Scientific Officer, University Hospitals and Vice Dean for Medical Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Founded in 1908, the Society has nearly 3,000 elected members from the upper echelons of academic medicine and industry.

For more information on Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, please visit http://case.edu/medicine

About University HospitalsFounded in May 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 18 hospitals, more than 40 outpatient health centers and primary care physician offices in 15 counties throughout Northeast Ohio. At the core of our $4 billion health system is University Hospitals Case Medical Center, ranked among America’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. The primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, UH Case Medical Center is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopaedics, radiology, neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, digestive health, transplantation and genetics. Its main campus includes UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University. UH is the second largest employer in Northeast Ohio with 26,000 employees. For more information, go to http://www.UHhospitals.org.