Brian O’Neill, MD, PhD, has been named a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), one of the most distinguished organizations for physician-scientists. This honor, reserved for early-career researchers under the age of 50 who have made significant contributions to medicine, highlights O’Neill’s groundbreaking work in diabetes research and his leadership within the medical field.
O’Neill’s body of work has centered on understanding how diabetes affects skeletal muscle function—an area often overlooked in medical training. His research has shed light on how impaired insulin signaling impacts muscle strength and mitochondrial energy production, revealing the accelerated muscle loss experienced by people with diabetes. This work not only reinforces the importance of glycemic control but also identifies potential therapeutic targets to mitigate muscle degradation in patients with diabetes, particularly after major surgeries, or as they age.
“I’m thrilled to join the ASCI, an organization that celebrates the intersection of clinical practice and research,” said O’Neill. “This appointment validates the trajectory of my career and my commitment to advancing knowledge in diabetes and skeletal muscle health.”
The path to ASCI membership is highly selective, requiring nominations and endorsements from established members. O’Neill was nominated by his PhD mentor, E. Dale Abel, MD, PhD, and seconded by his postdoctoral mentor, C. Ronald Khan, MD. His nomination also received support from prominent researchers at institutions like the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic.
The appointment recognizes O’Neill’s achievements in research as well as his in mentorship as director of the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship program.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to fostering future leaders in medicine,” said O’Neill, emphasizing the importance of inspiring the next generation of physician-scientists.
Highlighting the significance of this honor, Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, wrote in a message to the division, “ASCI is one of the nation’s oldest medical honor societies, founded in 1908. The election is a significant milestone in the physician-scientist career path. We are very proud that our own Brian O’Neill was elected to join this select group of scientists this year. Congratulations again, Brian, for this outstanding achievement. This is a milestone in what I am sure will be a truly remarkable career.”
O’Neill is the first faculty member from the University of Iowa to be admitted to the ASCI since 2017, joining a select group of fewer than 3,000 members nationwide. The induction ceremony will take place in April 2025 in Chicago, where O’Neill will join other physician-scientists in discussions to advance patient-focused research.
“This milestone isn’t just an individual achievement—it reflects the collaborative and supportive research environment at the University of Iowa,” O’Neill noted, crediting the Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center and his colleagues for their pivotal roles in his success.
In a response, O’Neill thanked his colleagues for their congratulations. “This is a great honor and I’m happy that Iowa is a part of it. I have to thank the Division of Endocrinology, the Department of Medicine and all my colleagues at Iowa for being such an important part of my career,” he said. “Of course, I also have to thank my mentors and supporters who made this possible: Dale Abel, who nominated me and made my career what it is today. He is one of the primary reasons I came to Iowa. C. Ronald Kahn: his training and support were instrumental for my fast start at Iowa. Aaron Cypess, K. Sreekumaran Nair, and Rohit Kulkarni, who supported my nomination.”
O’Neill’s membership in the ASCI solidifies his status as a leader in clinical investigation, reinforcing his dedication to improving patient care and mentoring the next generation of researchers. Congratulations, Dr. O’Neill!