David Stoltz, MD, PhD, professor of internal medicine and director of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine, was inducted last weekend into the Association of American Physicians (AAP). The election acknowledges Stoltz’s many achievements in academic medical research, particularly in the field of cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.

The AAP is a 140-year-old organization founded by Sir William Osler and six other physicians and counts the most accomplished physician scientists among its membership with the purpose of advancing and preserving academic medical knowledge. (Of note, the AAP’s “About Us” page mentions Osler once and Iowa’s own François M. Abboud, MD, twice.)

Among its activities, each year the AAP convenes an annual meeting jointly with the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) and the American Physician Scientists Association (APSA). In addition to providing a forum for scientific sessions, presentations, and panels on issues of relevance to the groups, the AAP also formally recognizes its newest elected members, Stoltz among them. Another inductee this year, Denise Jamieson, MD, vice president for medical affairs and Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, was not in attendance.

“It is an honor to be elected into the AAP,” Stoltz said. “Iowa physician-scientists have always had a prominent role in the AAP, including Drs. François Abboud, Paul Rothman, and Michael Welsh who previously served as AAP presidents. It’s a privilege to join the AAP’s ranks.”

Earlier in the month, Stoltz joined a couple of those members for lunch. Abboud, Welsh, and former Pulmonary Division Director Joseph Zabner, MD, toasted Stoltz’s achievements and his impending induction since they would be unable to attend the ceremony at the joint meeting in Chicago.

Stoltz said he is “very grateful” for the support he has received from his “mentors, colleagues, research staff, trainees, and administrative team.”