Research
Dr. Yeaman’s work has reshaped the understanding of infection and immunity, translating to life-saving therapies for infections and autoimmune diseases. With outstanding colleagues, his research pioneered novel antibiotics and vaccines to meet the challenge of drug-resistant infections, creating spinoff companies including NovaDigm Therapeutics. In parallel, he led a clinical consortium resulting in 4 FDA approved therapies that have saved and improved lives of thousands of patients with rare neurologic autoimmune diseases.
Biography
Dr. Michael Yeaman was raised in Southern California before earning degrees in clinical microbiology and forensic anthropology from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. After completing NIH and AHA Fellowships at UCLA, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Medicine in 1992 and in 2003 became one of the youngest to earn the title of Professor of Medicine at UCLA. Today he holds the prestigious title of Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He also serves as Chief, Division of Molecular Medicine and Vice Chair, Department of Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
For 35 years, Dr. Yeaman has been a Principal Investigator at today’s Lundquist Institute, where he is a Senior Investigator and a Director of the Institute for Infection & Immunity. Dr. Yeaman has published over 300 scholarly works and earned continuous funding over 3 decades from the NIH and Department of Defense totaling over $100M. He holds 73 patents and has mentored 50 MD and PhD trainees along with countless undergraduate students. His honors include the Harbor-UCLA Weitzman Memorial Research Award, NIH National Research Service Award, DoD Distinguished Investigator Award, The Lundquist Institute Spirit of Innovation Award, and Harbor-UCLA and TLI Legend. He serves on the Vatican Council for Medicine & Society and is a 2-time X-Prize Visioneer challenge winner.
On a personal note, Dr. Yeaman is an innovative musician and composer acclaimed by the Los Angeles Times and NPR. His works have been featured in films and performances, and he is a member of the American Society of Composers & Performers. His 17 released albums are available on leading streaming services, including iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and Pandora. Proceeds are directed to benefit charitable organizations supporting children facing life-threatening illnesses. His music unites the art and science of medicine.