The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine's highest honor recognizes transformative contributions to transplantation, rare lung disease and cardiometabolic medicine.
Three physician-scientists whose discoveries have reshaped transplant medicine, rare lung disease care and our understanding of cardiometabolic disease received the 2026 Daniel Drake Medals. The medalists were honored at a black-tie awards dinner on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at the Queen City Club. The 2026 recipients are Robert H. Eckel, MD; Bruce C. Trapnell, MD; and E. Steve Woodle, MD.
"This year's Daniel Drake Medal recipients represent the very best of our college - two longtime faculty members who built world-class programs here in Cincinnati and an alumnus who carried his UC training to the forefront of his field," said Gregory C. Postel, MD, dean of the College of Medicine, Christian R. Holmes professor, executive vice president for health affairs and chair of the UC Health Board of Directors. "Through decades of discovery, patient care and mentorship, Drs. Eckel, Trapnell and Woodle have transformed what medicine can offer patients in transplantation, rare lung disease and cardiometabolic medicine. In doing so, they have brought great distinction to the University of Cincinnati."
The Daniel Drake Medal is awarded annually to living faculty or alumni for outstanding and distinctive contributions to medical education, scholarship and research. Established in 1985 to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth, the award honors Daniel Drake, MD, founder of the Medical College of Ohio, the forerunner of the UC College of Medicine, and one of the most influential physicians, educators and scientists of 19th-century America. With this year's medalists, 108 people have received the Drake Medal.
