October 20, 2025 – The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced today the election of 100 new members, one of the highest honors in health and medicine. Among those elected is incoming Director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine John C. Byrd, a 1987 Hendrix College alum and member of the Board of Trustees since 2021.
“The exceptional liberal arts education I received at Hendrix College combined with the 1:1 mentorship by Dr. Thomas Goodwin provided tenacity and curiosity to pursue the path of being a physician scientist,” said Byrd. “I am just one of many examples of how Hendrix College changes student’s lives that ultimately results in improving the world we live in for others.”
Election to the NAM is one of the highest honors in the fields of health and science, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to medical research, health care, and public health. Established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine by the National Academy of Sciences, NAM now operates alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. Together, these three academies provide independent, evidence-based insight to guide public policy and address some of society’s most complex challenges in science, medicine, and technology.
NAM’s mission is to address critical issues in health, medicine and related fields, inspiring cross-sector collaboration and positive action. Its members are among the most accomplished professionals in their respective fields, and they commit to volunteer their expertise to support NAM’s initiatives. NAM’s work informs government policies, guides health care practices, and fosters public health improvements globally.
“Dr. Byrd’s election to the National Academy of Medicine reflects his extraordinary professional accomplishments,” said Hendrix College President Karen Petersen. “In addition to his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research and patient care, Dr. Byrd exemplifies the curiosity, discipline, and commitment to service that define Hendrix alumni. We are immensely proud to celebrate this achievement with him and look forward to his success in a new role at the University of Pittsburgh.”
Byrd will join UPMC Hillman, one of the nation’s premier National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, effective November 3, 2025. He will also serve as University of Pittsburgh’s associate vice chancellor for cancer affairs and be recommended for appointment to hold the Hillman Professorship of Oncology in the School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine.
Since 2021, Byrd has served as the Gordon and Helen Hughes Taylor professor and chair of internal medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and chief of internal medicine services at UC Health. He also serves as a senior advisor to the UC Cancer Center, where he led the creation of the Blood Cancer Healing Center, the nation’s first facility to unite cutting-edge research and comprehensive blood cancer care under one roof. An internationally recognized leukemia researcher, Byrd has authored more than 700 scientific publications, holds 23 patents, and has helped develop multiple groundbreaking cancer therapies.
Before joining UC, Byrd spent two decades at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, where he served as Distinguished University Professor and Founding Director of the Division of Hematology. Throughout his career, he has mentored more than 90 trainees and faculty members, presented at over 300 scientific meetings, maintained continuous research funding since 1997, and hosted many Hendrix students as summer interns.
Byrd earned his MD from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, conducted his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplantation at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and completed his translational laboratory training at Johns Hopkins University.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose