Peter A. Calabresi, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Neurological Sciences at the University of Vermont’s Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and University of Vermont Health (UVMH), has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). An international thought leader in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis and therapies, Dr. Calabresi was elected “for his innovative work on the anterior visual pathway using optical coherence tomography for diagnosis, clinical prognosis, and for pathogenesis research, which has highlighted progressive retinal neurodegeneration as an ongoing but treatable feature of MS.”
Membership in NAM recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service and is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, according to the academy. Calabresi was among 90 regular members and 10 international members elected during NAM’s annual meeting on October 20.
“It is a tremendous honor to be elected to the National Academy of Medicine,” Calabresi said. “Such a distinction is only possible through the collaborative efforts of teams of people. In my role as a National Academy of Medicine member, I will continue working with my colleagues to further health care quality, access, and affordability by promoting advances in science and technology to support evidence-based clinical guidelines.”
Calabresi’s specific laboratory research interest lies in understanding the mechanisms by which effector memory T cells interface with glial cells in the brain to mediate neurodegeneration. His lab uses human cells, animal models, and imaging technologies to explore the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Calabresi has modeled how immune-mediated damage to axons results in neuronal loss through studying the anterior visual pathway. His work seamlessly bridges the gap between deep clinical phenotyping and mechanistic laboratory science to identify disease associated targets that will lead to therapies for neuroprotection and neurorepair of myelin and neuronal integrity.
“Peter Calabresi’s work is changing the world for the better, improving and expanding therapies for those living with multiple sclerosis and elevating medical research in significant ways,” said UVM President Marlene Tromp. “The university is proud to see his contributions recognized by his election to the National Academy of Medicine, and we are thrilled to welcome his groundbreaking research, teaching, and clinical service and leadership to our outstanding faculty community at UVM.”
In addition to his extensive research portfolio, Calabresi has presented his work to both national and international audiences and served as Principal Investigator on numerous grants, securing millions of dollars in research funding from private and public institutions. His research has been widely published in hundreds of academic publications. He has served as associate editor of the Journal of Clinical Investigation and ad hoc reviewer for National Institutes of Health panels, and as a journal reviewer for such scientific journals as the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Lancet, Nature, Science, Cell, and the New England Journal of Medicine. He is a co-editor of a book titled Optical Coherence Tomography in Neurological Diseases.
He also lends his expertise in several national premier medical professional organizations, including the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) and the Scientific Advisory Board of the North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis Cooperative (NAIMS). Co-founder and past president of the International Multiple Sclerosis Visual System Consortium, a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, and a member of the American Association of Physicians, he chairs the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in Multiple Sclerosis. He is a past recipient of the Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator award from the National Institutes of Health.
“Election to the National Academy of Medicine is a fitting acknowledgement of Dr. Calabresi’s scientific accomplishments,” said Richard L. Page, dean of the Larner College of Medicine and chief medical affairs officer at UVM. “I look forward to the impact he will bring to our research community as he leads the Department of Neurological Sciences in providing outstanding clinical care, innovation, and training of the next generation of physicians and scientists.”
Calabresi received his undergraduate degree in biology from Yale University and his medical degree from Brown University Medical School. He completed two residencies at Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was also chief resident, and a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. He taught at Brown University Medical School, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine prior to joining the Larner College of Medicine.
“Dr. Peter Calabresi’s pioneering research in multiple sclerosis exemplifies the transformative impact of precision medicine on neurodegenerative diseases,” said Kirk Dombrowski, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development at UVM. “His work not only advances our understanding of MS at the molecular level but also strengthens UVM’s commitment to translational research that bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical care. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Calabresi to UVM and look forward to the profound contributions he will make to our research enterprise.”
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 the National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions.
Read the full National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announcement