News

Malnutrition is a leading cause of death in children under age 5, and nearly 150 million children globally under this age have stunted growth from lack of nutrition. Although an inadequate diet is a major contributor, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found over a decade ago that dysfunctional communities of gut […]

On August 4, The Washington Post published an article titled “She was fit and healthy. Why did she get diabetes?” featuring the expertise of Fumihiko Urano, MD, PhD. Dr. Urano is a Professor of Medicine and of Pathology and Immunology with WashU Medicine’s Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, and Director of the Wolfram Syndrome International Registry and […]

Dr. Aubriana McEvoy, a dermatologic surgeon with WashU Medicine, appeared on the Fox 2 News morning show to raise awareness about skin cancer. During the segment, Dr. McEvoy discussed key preventive measures, early detection strategies, and available treatment options for skin cancer.

Congratulations to Abby Spencer, MD, MS, FACP for being awarded the Newcomb Alumnae Association Community Service Award by her alma mater, Tulane University, through the Newcomb Alumni Association.

Dr. Syeda Ashna Fatima Kamal joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital as an Instructor in September 2025. She brings a diverse and robust background in internal medicine, oncology, and palliative care to her role. She was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and spent much of her formative years in Dubai, United Arab […]

When injured, cells have well-regulated responses to promote healing. These include a long-studied self-destruction process that cleans up dead and damaged cells as well as a more recently identified phenomenon that helps older cells revert to what appears to be a younger state to help grow back healthy tissue.

In this Issue: Message from the Chair, Grants, High Impact Research Publications, Spotlight, Clinical Programs, In Memoriam: Dr. Stuart A. Kornfeld, Awards/Fellowships/Honors/Accolades, Leadership/Appointments, Office of Faculty Development, IDEAS at DOM, Vice Chair for Career Advancement, Vice Chairs of Safety, Quality, and Operations, Faculty Presentations, Welcome to WashU Medicine, Call for Applications and Events

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. These conditions, which include atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, cause one in three deaths globally and one in five in the United States. Beyond that stark reality, those living with the conditions may contend with disability, psychological distress, financial burden, and […]

Dr. Jesse Zaretsky joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Instructor in August of 2025. His clinical and research interests focus on understanding mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy to guide better treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other cancers. Therapies that activate the immune system to fight cancer […]

Dr. Ashenafi Bulle joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Instructor in August 2025. He is a passionate and accomplished biomedical scientist whose career spans veterinary medicine, molecular biology, and translational cancer research across Africa, Europe, and North America. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with distinction from Addis […]

Dr. Aaron Case joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine as an Assistant Professor in August 2025. He is interested in health services research, specifically understanding how to best optimize the intermediate care setting for both nursing and patient outcomes.  As more severely ill patients present to the hospital […]

Stuart A. Kornfeld, MD, the David C. and Betty Farrell Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in St. Louis from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 88.

A new WashU Medicine study shows that acquired mutations in blood stem cells — whether arising from smoking, exposure to toxins or even normal aging — interact with mutations passed down by parents in important ways that influence a person’s lifetime risk of developing blood cancer. The knowledge could inform early detection and prevention.

Innovate, collaborate, and delivering care that makes a difference When Dr. Matthew A. Ciorba arrived at Washington University School of Medicine in 2001, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was still poorly understood, and treatment options were limited. Today, as director of the Washington University IBD Center, he leads one of the top programs in the nation—combining […]

Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI): Clinical Guidelines for Treatment and Management IDSA has released the first IDSA guidelines on management and treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). These guidelines provide practical advice for clinicians who manage patients with cUTIs in inpatient and outpatient settings. Barbara Trautner, MD, PhD, Co-Chief, WashU Medicine Division of Infectious […]

WashU scientists are collaborating to unlock secrets of a millennia-old scourge. Efforts may lead to an increased understanding of and improved treatments for tuberculosis, which is once again on the rise.

In a world where clinical research drives life-changing advancements in healthcare, it is critical to have a team of well-informed, skilled, and dedicated professionals to carry out clinical trials. The Clinical Research Professional Apprenticeship was developed at the WashU Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS), advancing the institute’s strong commitment to building a workforce […]

BJC Health System has received 109 recognitions for clinical excellence from U.S. News & World Report, including national ranking for Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 11 out of 14 specialties. Multiple BJC hospitals are ranked among the “Best Hospitals” in Missouri. 

Grant Challen, PhD, Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Oncology, teamed up with  Luis F. Z. Batista, PhD, Associate Professor and Andrew L. Young, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Hematology, on a new research publication “Non-canonical functions of DNMT3A in hematopoietic stem cells regulate telomerase activity and genome integrity”, published this month in […]

A groundbreaking clinical trial utilizing technology developed previously by Jeffrey R. Millman, PhD has reported promising new findings in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The study, conducted by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, evaluated a stem cell-derived islet (SC-islet) replacement therapy known as Zimislecel. In this Phase 1/2 trial, researchers implanted SC-islets into patients with T1D to replace the […]

October 4, 1936 – August 17, 2025 It is with deep sadness that I share the news that Dr. Stuart Arthur Kornfeld, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 88. Dr. Kornfeld was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 4, 1936, to Max and Ruth […]

Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the WashU Center for Advancing Health Services, Policy & Economics Research Karen Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH has accepted two new roles with the American Heart Association as of July 1st. 

The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) recently announced the selection of new officers and board members for the society with terms starting at the conclusion of the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 (ASM), which will take place September 26-29, 2025 in Minneapolis, MN.

Assistant Professor of Medicine Farhan Katchi, MD has been appointed Cardiology Co-Director of the Advanced Cardiac Imaging (CT/MR) Program, a joint effort between Cardiology and Radiology, reinvigorating the program that was started in 2006 by Benico Barzilai, MD and Pamela Woodard, MD. He will join Scott Bugenhagen, MD, PhD who will assume the Co-Director role on the Radiology side.

Researchers at WashU Medicine’s Center for Cardiovascular Research have discovered that specialized immune cells from the spleen play a critical role in healing the heart after a heart attack. The study, led by Sumanth Prabhu, MD, Division Chief and director of the Prabhu Lab, identifies a unique population of macrophages—immune cells that clean up cellular debris—that travel […]

Monica Chang-Panesso, MD, Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Nephrology, has been awarded funding from the KidneyCure Transition to Independence Grants Program, a foundation of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN).

Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine is pleased to announce funding for 12 new projects, including four clinical trials. Through this research, investigators aim to improve the understanding of tumor formation and growth, develop safer, more effective therapies, and explore new cancer screening strategies.

I am pleased to announce that Justin Sadhu, MD, MPHS, FACC, Professor of Medicine, in the Cardiovascular Division, has been appointed as the Cardiology/Medicine Firm Medical Director.  Justin S. Sadhu, MD, MPHS, FACC, Professor of Medicine in the Cardiovascular Division, joined the Department of Medicine in 2015. Dr. Sadhu completed his undergraduate degree at the […]

Thank you, residents and interns, for all you do for one another and for your patients. Though often under-appreciated, your work does not go unnoticed. ​​​​​​​Help us highlight the kindness, clinical skills, and work ethic: submit here. Intern of the MonthDr. Niyaza Mammootty “She is an outstanding intern who exceeded every expectation. Performing at a very high level in […]

Dr. Brendan Knapp joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Assistant Professor as of August 2025. He is a clinical investigator interested in the management of patients with lung and head and neck malignancies.  He obtained his bachelor’s degree of science from Purdue University in 2015 and his MD from Indiana […]