Chai Elected to National Academy of Medicine

Yang Chai, PhD, DDS, associate dean of research at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, and director of the USC Center for Craniofacial and Molecular Biology, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. The distinction honors Chai’s pioneering studies on the molecular regulation of cell types during craniofacial development leading to bioengineered treatment strategies for patients presenting with malformations of the head and face.

Chai will help the academy work to improve health by advancing science, accelerating health equity, and providing evidence-based advice. He joins 84 new members — 75 in the U.S. and 10 internationally.  Chai is the only dental professional elected this year to the National Academy of Medicine.

According to USC, Chai is renowned for his research in genetics, cellular signaling and development of craniofacial structures, including investigation and better understanding of causes of and potential preventive measures for craniofacial deformities, including cleft lip, cleft palate and craniosyntosis.