KT Jerry Yeo, PhD, Clinical Professor of Pathology and Medical Director of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory (2007-2024), Clinical Pharmacogenomics and Clinical Metabolomics Mass Spectrometry Laboratories (2007-present) at the University of Chicago, has been honored with the 2026 NACCCA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his longstanding contributions to translational research, clinical laboratory medicine, education, mentorship, and professional leadership.
His early research helped advance understanding of the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis, contributing to the growing body of knowledge that established VEGF as a key regulator of vascular growth and remodeling. More recently, Dr. Yeo has been a leader in the implementation of pharmacogenomics (PGx) in clinical laboratory practice, helping translate genomic discoveries into clinically actionable testing to guide medication selection and dosing. His work in establishing and expanding clinical PGx services has helped advance personalized medicine and demonstrates his longstanding commitment to bringing innovative science from the laboratory to patient care.
Dr. Yeo served as President of NACCCA in 2003 and has remained actively engaged in advancing its mission of promoting excellence in clinical laboratory medicine through international collaboration, education, and knowledge exchange. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the advancement of clinical chemistry, mass spectrometry, molecular diagnostics, and pharmacogenomics while mentoring numerous trainees and future laboratory leaders as Director of the ComACC Clinical Chemistry Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at UChicago that he founded in 2012. This prestigious award recognizes not only his professional accomplishments but also his enduring commitment to strengthening the laboratory medicine community worldwide.