Drs. Megan Haymart and Maria Papaleontiou Receive Prestigious American Thyroid Association Awards

Megan Haymart, MD and Maria Papaleontiou, MD, of the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes (MEND) have received 2026 American Thyroid Association® (ATA) Awards for their exceptional contributions to thyroid research, clinical care, and leadership. 

Dr. Haymart received the Valeria Anne Galton Distinguished Lectureship Award, which recognizes individuals who have been instrumental in collaborative research that has significantly contributed to the advancement of clinical knowledge of thyroid conditions. Dr. Haymart is a Nancy Wiggington Endocrinology Research Professor of Thyroid Cancer and Director of Thyroid Cancer Research here at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on optimizing thyroid care delivery, primarily studying thyroid cancer care across the disease continuum, from diagnosis to survivorship. She has a sustained history of NIH-funded research with over $8 million in funding as principal investigator, demonstrating her commitment to rigorous, collaborative science. 

Dr. Maria Papaleontiou received the Women in Thyroidology Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes an ATA member who is dedicated to the field and advancement of women in thyroidology. Dr. Papaleontiou is a tenure associate professor in the MEND Division and research associate professor at the Institute of Gerontology here at the University of Michigan. Her clinical practice focuses on thyroid diseases, thyroid cancer, and geriatric endocrinology. In her research, she evaluates the risks of thyroid hormone overtreatment and misuse in older adults, understanding the role of providers and patients in thyroid hormone use and misuse and how it relates to patient outcomes and decision-making.

Congratulations, Drs. Haymart and Papaleontiou! They will be formally honored during the ATA’s 2026 Annual Meeting November 3-7, 2026, in Philadelphia. 

Read the full announcement

In This Story

Megan Haymart

Megan R Haymart, MD

Professor

Maria Papaleontiou

Maria Papaleontiou, MD

Associate Professor

Featured News & Stories

2026 MDisability summer interns, which include individuals of varying races and sexes.
Department News

MDisability and CDHW interns present their final research presentations

Five MDisability and Center for Disability Health & Wellness 2026 Summer interns completed nine weeks of study on how to conduct research in disability health topics. The interns presented their findings during the July 28, 2026, research meeting in the Department of Family Medicine.
microbes inside gut yellow
Health Lab

New oral nanomedicine boosts effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies

University of Michigan researchers developed an oral drug that can increase the ability of T cells to attack tumors. The drug uses the microbial metabolite 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, which is derived from dietary fiber.
Seven research team members wearing matching blue and gray shirts pose outdoors behind a University of Michigan Health sign for the Samuel & Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center.
Dose of Reality

Learning about the Life Loaf: My Experience Working in OBGYN Research

University of Michigan medical student Laine Boitos discusses how research experience ahead of medical school helped prepare her for her future career.
woman itching skin orange blue button down
Health Lab

A first-of-its-kind treatment for mastocytosis

A new drug called Avapritinib achieved longterm safety approval for indolent systemic mastocytosis.
kid at table not wanting to eat breakfast with parent blurred in background white coloring milk on table
Health Lab

Many parents face challenges getting kids to eat a healthy breakfast before school

Three-quarters of parents report at least one barrier to their child starting the day with a healthy meal on a typical school day, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
Hello and welcome message
Department News

Biological Chemistry welcomes new MS and PhD students

New graduate students join the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School.