University of Alabama at Birmingham’s James Markert, M.D., MPH, James Garber Galbraith Endowed Chair of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurosurgery professor, has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM).  
 
Markert is recognized for being a world expert on oncolytic viruses, author on a first-ever paper of genetically engineered oncolytic viruses, primary author on the first-in-human trial of an oncolytic virus, senior author on first use of an IL12-expressing virus for human glioma, and currently conducting adult and pediatric brain tumor trials.
 
Markert, UAB’s first neurosurgeon to be elected to the Academy, is among the 90 regular members and 10 international members announced during this year’s annual meeting. Election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors in the medical and scientific fields and individuals recognized have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. 
 
After graduation from Harvard University, Markert obtained his medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, along with a master’s degree in public health. He completed residency training at the University of Michigan before joining the neurosurgery faculty at UAB in 1995.
 
In 2006, he was appointed director of the Division of Neurosurgery, and when the division was granted departmental status in 2013, Markert became the inaugural chair.
 
Markert has been actively involved in organized neurosurgery, holding positions in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Academy of Neurological Surgery, Society of Neurological Surgeons and the Southern Neurosurgical Society. 
 
“I am tremendously grateful for the honor of being nominated to such an accomplished group. It is a testimony to the remarkable mentorship I have received and the level of the collaborations I have enjoyed, both while here at UAB and throughout my career,” said Markert.
 
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 to 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 the activities of the national academies.