Eli Y. Adashi, MD, MS, MA (ad eundem), CPE, FACOG, FRCOG
Honorary Doctor of Public Service
Eli Y. Adashi, MD, MS, MA (ad eundem), CPE, FACOG, FRCOG, is a physician-scientist of international renown whose contributions have shaped modern reproductive medicine, women’s health, and bioethics.
A graduate of the first class of the Tel Aviv University School of Medicine in 1973, Dr. Adashi pursued postgraduate training at Tufts University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of California San Diego before joining the faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) in 1981.
During his 15-year tenure at UMSOM, Dr. Adashi rose to professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and physiology; served as director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology; and led the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG)-approved Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and the Residency Training Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology. His leadership elevated UMSOM’s standing in reproductive endocrinology and women’s health research, while his mentorship helped launch the careers of numerous physicians and scientists.
After his tenure at UMSOM, Dr. Adashi served from 1996 to 2004 as the John A. Dixon Endowed Presidential Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, where he founded the Ovarian Cancer Program at the Huntsman Cancer Research Institute.
From 2004 to 2008, he was the fifth Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences at Brown University, where he continues as a tenured professor of medical science.
Dr. Adashi was the recipient of continuous National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding from 1985 to 2005, inclusive of a Research Career Development Award. NIH service included membership with the National Council of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1997-2001), the Reproductive Endocrinology Study Section (1988-1992), and the Selection Committee of the Reproductive Scientist Development Program (1988-2005).
A member of the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) since 1999, he has served on and chaired multiple consensus committees on women’s health, reproductive technologies, preterm birth, and global maternal mortality. His work has directly influenced U.S. policy on embryonic stem cell research, contraception, and maternal health outcomes.
A former president of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinologists, the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, and the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, Dr. Adashi also served as examiner and director of ABOG’s Division of Reproductive Endocrinology.
Dr. Adashi’s scholarship is extensive: He has authored or co-authored nearly 900 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and served as editor or co-editor of 16 books in reproductive medicine.
Dr. Adashi served as editor-in-chief of Seminars in Reproductive Medicine and as the associate editor of Endocrinology, Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, Reproductive Medicine Review, Seminars in Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Review, and Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders.
He has mentored over 50 postdoctoral fellows and trainees, many of whom now hold leadership positions in academic medicine.
His influence extends beyond academia through frequent contributions to national media; op-eds in the Washington Post, New York Times, and Boston Globe; and leadership positions in organizations such as the Hastings Center, the Petrie-Flom Center at Harvard Law School, and Physicians for Human Rights.
Internationally, Dr. Adashi has served as a senior adviser on Global Women’s Health to the U.S. Department of State during the Obama administration, and as a consultant to the World Health Organization, World Bank, Rockefeller Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His work has advanced global strategies to reduce maternal and child mortality and expand equitable access to reproductive health care.
Among his many honors, Dr. Adashi received the prestigious Walsh McDermott Medal from NAM in 2025 that recognizes a member for distinguished service to NAM and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. He is a Distinguished Medical Alumnus of Johns Hopkins University and has received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Dr. Adashi has received honorary doctorates from Poznan University (Poland), the University of Ottawa (Canada), the National University of Rosario (Argentina), and Tel Aviv University (Israel).
He earned a master’s degree in health care management from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in 2005.
Kudos from UMB
“Dr. Adashi’s honorary degree recognizes his transformative contributions to reproductive health and medicine. The honor also acknowledges his longstanding service as a faculty member here in the School of Medicine and as interim chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, where he strengthened clinical care and academic excellence.”
— Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean and John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor, UMSOM, and Vice President for Medical Affairs, UMB
“Dr. Adashi, a former UMSOM faculty member and division director, has been a leading reproductive scientist and prolific scholar in the areas of women’s health and reproductive sciences. The conferral on Dr. Adashi of an honorary degree by UMB is most fitting.”
— E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, CARTI Endowed Professor and Director, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Director, Center for Advanced Research Training and Innovation; and Former Dean, UMSOM
“In every respect, Dr. Adashi embodies the ideals of scholarship, service, and global leadership that define the mission of UMB. His roots at our own School of Medicine, where he spent 15 years advancing education, research, and clinical excellence, make this honorary degree recognition especially meaningful. His lifelong dedication to advancing medicine, science, human rights, and women’s health will stand as an inspiration to our graduates and community.”
— Irina Burd, MD, PhD, Sylvan Frieman, MD Endowed Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UMSOM
Dr. Adashi Says …
“I was very surprised but mighty pleased to receive news that I would be honored with an honorary degree from UMB and the School of Medicine. During my time at the school, I learned the value of persistence, which was widely adhered to at UMSOM. For the Class of 2026, my advice would be to emulate the well-tested principles of the institution you are affiliated with.”
