Author: Julia Sandvoss

Study reports molecular interaction map of Alzheimer’s disease target TREM2

Brett publication graphic from Molecular Neurodegeneration

Thomas Brett, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, WashU Medicine Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Jen Alexander-Brett, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, WashU Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Daisy Leung, PhD, Professor, Departments of Medicine, Pathology […]

Henderson receives a Hypothesis Fund award for Bacterial Infection Research

Jeffrey R. Henderson, MD, PhD

Jeffrey P. Henderson, MD, PhD, FIDSA, Professor of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, WashU Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, recently received an award from the Hypothesis Fund. In order to understand the interplay between bacteria and the immune system, Henderson uses an interdisciplinary approach. His project may revolutionize our understanding of how bacteria evade host defenses. Henderson adds, […]

February is Heart Health Awareness Month

American Heart Month

In February, a month traditionally associated with love, people across the United States and around the world turn their attention to something equally vital: heart health. February is recognized as Heart Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which remain the leading cause of death worldwide.  The Importance of […]

Five DOM Faculty Receive 2025 ASCI Awards

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The American Society for Clinical Investigation recently announced the 2025 Awardees for the Young Physician-Scientist Award along with the Emerging Scientist Awards. The ASCI Council Young Physician-Scientist Awards (YPSA) recognize physician-scientists who are early in their first faculty appointment and have made notable achievements in their research. With these awards, the ASCI seeks to encourage […]

Hirbe and Oh Elected for ASCI 2025 Members

Drs. Angela Hirbe and Stephen Oh

Angela C. Hirbe, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Director, Adult Neurofibromatosis Clinical Program, WashU Medicine Division of Oncology, along with Stephen T. Oh, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Co-Chief, WashU Medicine Division of Hematology recently were selected for The American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) 2025 Members. The ASCI is a […]

National Institutes of Health Awards PRIDE Grant

(L-R) Drs. Arbeláez, Brookheart, Reeds

Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases Grant  Ana Maria Arbeláez, MD; Rita Brookheart, PhD; and Dominic Reeds, MD, WashU Medicine clinician–researchers and directors, were recently the recipients of one of three National Institutes of Health Grants. This grant offers funding for the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases (PRIDE) […]

Development of a metabolome-based respiratory infection prognostic during COVID-19 arrival

Jeffrey R. Henderson, MD, PhD

Jeffrey P. Henderson, MD, PhD, FIDSA, Professor of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, at WashU Division of Infectious Diseases, was recently published in ASM Journals with new insights into the development of a metabolome-based respiratory infection prognostic during COVID-19. Henderson highlights that the supportive environment at WashU Medicine played a crucial role in making this work possible, […]

Dr. Wooten’s Inspiring Journey to Infectious Diseases Leadership

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Dr. Darcy Wooten’s career journey has been anything but conventional. Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Wooten proudly represents six generations of California heritage. Growing up in Los Angeles, she initially aspired to become an English teacher, inspired by her mother, a high school science teacher, but also seeking a path uniquely her own. […]

January is Blood Donor Month

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Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. January marks Blood Donor Awareness Month, a time to recognize the life-saving impact of blood donors and raise awareness about the constant need for blood and platelet donations.  Donating blood is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to help those in need. Whether […]

WashU Medicine Divisions of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases Selected as Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center

Shail Mehta, MD

Bronchiectasis and NTM 360, a division of the COPD Foundation, has accepted WashU Medicine – Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, into its Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN), recognizing the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division’s dedication to providing high-quality medical care, resources and education for those with bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial […]

Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week

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Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week takes place from December 1-7 each year, spotlighting the nearly 3 million Americans living with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These chronic, lifelong conditions cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, […]

Merry Christmas

Christmas scene with trees, snow, candy canes, and reindeer - Merry Christmas

December 25th is celebrated as both a religious holiday and a global cultural and commercial event. People around the world celebrate this holiday through a variety of religious and secular traditions. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their […]

2024 Academy of Educators Annual Education Day

Department of Medicine Faculty Honored Sponsored by the Academy of Educators, the annual Education Day was held on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, to celebrate educational excellence across the School of Medicine. This year’s theme was The Future of Healthcare Education. The event featured a variety of educational workshops and roundtables, a keynote address from Adam Rodman, […]

Polypill proposed to change the heart failure treatment paradigm

image of pills

A polypill is suggested containing all 4 classes of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure Justin Chen, MD, First Year Cardiology Fellow, First Author along with Anubha Agarwal, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Co-Director, Program in Global Cardiovascular Health, WashU Medicine Cardiovascular Division, Senior Author, have published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. The […]

National Diabetes Month

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Raising Awareness and Supporting Health November marks National Diabetes Month, a time to bring attention to diabetes and the impact it has on millions worldwide. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diabetes, its risks, and ways to manage and prevent it. With more than 37 million Americas living with diabetes […]

Thanksgiving

White and orange pumpkins - Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an official holiday celebrated on different dates in countries such as the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, and unofficially in Brazil and the Philippines. It is also observed in the Dutch town of Leiden and the Australian territory of Norfolk Island. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated by Americans on the fourth Thursday […]

Veterans Day

Three Veterans saluting to American flag

On November 11th, the United States observes Veterans Day to honor all veterans who have served during war and peace, whether living or deceased. However, it is primarily intended to thank those living who have served. First known as Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson set aside the day of November 11th (the first anniversary of […]

Nephrology Researcher Expands Kidney Disease Study Through Collaborative Work at WashU

Gewin’s team aims to find ways to promote kidney repair and prevent the progression of fibrosis. Dr. Leslie Gewin, a nephrologist and researcher, has been steadily expanding her research into kidney disease since moving from Vanderbilt to WashU Medicine three years ago. Leveraging the university’s extensive resources and collaborative environment, Gewin’s work focuses on the […]

Infectious Diseases Division Co-Director and Pallavi Chandra, PhD, published in Autophagy

Jennifer A. Philips, MD

Host De-ubiquitinase USP8 promotes Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection Pallavi Chandra, PhD, an Instructor of Medicine in the Philips laboratory at WashU Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, along with Jennifer A. Philips, MD, PhD, Theodore and Bertha Bryan Professor, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology; Co-director, Infectious Diseases Division, recently co-authored a Autophagy publication, on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and USP8. […]

Hematology-Oncology Fellow Podany Receives Conquer Cancer Merit Award

Emily Podany, MD

For research on early stage Breast Cancer Emily Podany, MD, Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program, Fellow Wellness Leader, WashU Division of Oncology, received a 2024 Conquer Cancer Merit Award for the ASCO Quality Care Symposium for her abstract (poster presentation) “Improving the OncotypeDX ordering process in patients with ER+ HER2- early-stage breast cancer: A longitudinal QI project.”  […]

Halloween: Spooky Origins and Sweet Treats

Happy Halloween

Halloween, the night of October 31st, is a holiday celebrated worldwide with costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations. But where did this tradition start from? The History of Halloween The roots of Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celts […]

WashU Researchers to Study Effectiveness of Flu Vaccines in Preventing Household Transmission

Jennie H. Kwon, DO, MSCI

Jennie H. Kwon, DO, MSCI, Associate Professor of Medicine, Section Director, Healthcare Epidemiology & Antimicrobial Stewardship, WashU Division of Infectious Diseases, has received a new contract from the CDC to investigate how influenza (flu) spreads within households and whether vaccines reduce transmission of flu. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the […]

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day - Oct 10

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10th as a day to promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. World Mental Health Day is […]

Infectious Diseases Division Co-Director Philips Published in Nature Microbiology

Jennifer A. Philips, MD

Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence lipid PDIM inhibits autophagy in mice Jennifer A. Philips, MD, PhD, Theodore and Bertha Bryan Professor, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology; Co-director, Infectious Diseases Division, recently co-authored a Nature Microbiology publication, with Ekansh Mittal, PhD, Instructor of Medicine, WashU Division of Infectious Diseases, on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Dr. Philips is the principal investigator […]

Podany Metastatic Breast Cancer work spotlighted in JNCCN360

Emily Podany, MD

Genomic Alterations and Targeted Treatment by Race in Metastatic Breast Cancer Emily Podany, MD, Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program, Fellow Wellness Leader, WashU Division of Oncology, was recently spotlighted in JNCCN360 for her work on Genomic Alterations and Targeted Treatment by Race in Metastatic Breast Cancer. The study used a multi-institution consortium database that includes both clinical […]

Odeny publication in Science Direct offers new cancer insights

Crucial intersection of oncology and HIV research, with insights for clinical practice Thomas A. Odeny, MD, MPH, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at WashU Division of Medical Oncology, leads the Global Oncology Initiative. He recently was published in Science Direct with new insights into HIV and cancer research. Dr. Odeny’s research focuses on applying implementation […]

WashU Fellow Published in Annual Reviews

Giulia Petrone, MD

Giulia Petrone, MD, WashU Hematology/Oncology Fellow, study, “Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Clonal Hematopoisis” was recently published in Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, Volume 25, 2024. Clonal Hematopoiesis (CH) is a condition in which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells acquire the same somatic mutations, leading to the expansion of these mutated cells. The […]

Study shows novel low-dose 3-in-1 blood pressure pill outperforms standard care

Mark Huffman, MD

Over 80% of patients achieved control within a month, sustained at six months A new study, that Mark Huffman, MD, MPH, William Bowen Professor of Medicine, Co-Director, Global Health Center, WashU Cardiovascular Division, who is a co-author, shows that a treatment plan containing low doses of three antihypertensive drugs in a single pill – known […]

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

sickle cell disease graphic

As we observe Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of raising awareness and advancing research to support the millions affected by sickle cell disease (SCD). This genetic blood disorder has a significant impact worldwide, particularly within the African American community. It is essential that we deepen our collective […]

National Suicide Prevention Week

National Suicide Prevention Week graphic

September 8 – 14, 2024 National Suicide Prevention week and National Suicide Prevention month both happen during the month of September, however it’s important we offer support throughout the year. Increasing awareness of this leading cause of death is vital to saving a life and enabling each other to support this cause. Often times, those […]

Spencer and Hanson Receive Grant to Enhance Health Equity Training

Abby L.. Spencer, MD and Janice Hanson, PhD

Abby L. Spencer, MD, MS, FACP, Professor and Vice Chair for Education, Academy of Educators Director, GME Program Director Boot Camp Director at WashU Department of Medicine – Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, and co-investigator, Janice L. Hanson, PhD, EdS, MH, recently received a grant under the Building Trust Through Diversity, Health Care Equity, […]

Ferraro lab publishes Acute Myeloid Leukemiain Research in AACR

Francesca Ferraro, MD, PhD

The Ferraro Lab led by Francesca Ferraro, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, WashU Division of Oncology has recently made significant contribution in understanding the role of MYC mutations in the development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Dr. Ferraro’s lab publication, titled “Missense Mutations in Myc Box I Influence Nucleocytoplasmic Transport to Promote Leukemogenesis,” is […]

Lee Joins WashU to Build Clinical Programs for Lung Injury and Host Defense

Bridging science discoveries with bedside clinical care Janet S. Lee, MD, Chief, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Selma and Herman Seldin Distinguished Professor in Medicine, Professor of Pathology and Immunology, a physician-scientist from the University of Pittsburgh, joined WashU in 2023 to develop innovative clinical programs aimed at addressing lung injury and host defense mechanisms. […]

Celebrating the Achievements of Professor Emeritus Stuart Kornfeld

Stuart A. Kornfeld, MD, David C. and Betty Farrell Distinguished Professor of Medicine,Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Educational and Career Milestones Dr. Stuart A. Kornfeld, an esteemed figure in the field of medicine, began his illustrious journey at Washington University School of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1962 following his undergraduate […]

Maddox appointed to inaugural FDA Digital Health Advisory Committee

Thomas M. Maddox, MD, MSc

Thomas M. Maddox MD, SM, Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology at Washington University School of Medicine and head of the BJC/WUSM Healthcare Innovation Lab, has been appointed to the inaugural FDA Digital Health Advisory Committee. The Digital Health Advisory Committee will advise the Commissioner of Food and Drugs on issues related to Digital Health […]

Silva-Fisher awarded ASH Bridge Grant

Jessica SiIva-Fisher, PhD

Jessica Silva-Fisher, PhD, Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of DEI Division of Oncology, Director Mentorship to Enhance Diversity in Academia (MEDA), recently was awarded an ASH Bridge Grant. American Society of Hematology – ASH Bridge Grant Program has been one of the Society’s most important programs since 2013 and has demonstrated the Society’s commitment to […]

Wellness Month

National Wellness Month

In honor of Wellness Month, it seems fitting that we discuss what wellness really is … and how we define wellness based on our individual characteristics. Many people think of wellness as a matter of physical health – nutrition, exercise, weight control, etc., but it is so much more. Wellness is a holistic integration of […]

Anuja Java Published in Science Direct

Anuja Java, MD

Anuja Java, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Director, Kidney Transplant John Cochran VA Medical Center, Division of Nephrology, Washington University School of Medicine recently had two articles published in Science Direct. Thrombotic Microangiopathies and the Kidney Both articles delve into defining current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Thrombotic Microangiopathies (TMAs). TMA is a multisystem […]

Batista receives DOD and Siteman Cancer Center awards

Luis FZ Batista, PhD

Luis F.Z. Batista, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Developmental Biology, WashU Division of Hematology, Member – Center for Genome Integrity, received grants from the Department of Defense as well as Siteman Cancer Center for his work to uncover novel mechanisms related to telomerase dysfunction in bone marrow failure and pre-malignant patients. Dr. Batista’s research […]

Heme-Onc Fellow Cochran published in Leukemia & Lymphoma

Hunter Cassidy Cochran, MD

Pretransplant desensitization of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies with plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin produces equivalent outcomes to patients with no donor specific antibodies in haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplant Hunter Cassidy Cochran, MD, Hematology-Oncology Fellow, was recently published in Leukemia & Lymphoma. In many hematologic malignancies, hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is the only curative option. The likelihood of finding […]

Noonan Receives ASN KidneyCure Fellowship

Megan Noonan, PhD

The role of alternative splicing factor Srsf7 in diabetic kidney disease progression Megan Noonan, PhD, WashU Division of Nephrology, received the American Society of Nephrology, ASN, KidneyCure Ben J. Lipps Fellowship. Dr. Noonan’s research aims to uncover novel mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression via dysregulated alternative splicing. She will be investigating the role […]

DOM researchers publish in Science Immunology

Researchers in the Department of Medicine reveal new ways that human natural killer (NK) cells are rewired by signals through cytokine receptors to generate a memory-like program.  In a report published in Science Immunology, co-first authors Jennifer Foltz, PhD, and Jennifer Tran build on prior work from senior author Todd Fehniger, MD, PhD, WashU Division […]

Charles Crecelius received James Pattee Award

Charles Crecelius, MD, PhD, FACP, DMD

Charles Crecelius, MD, Associate Professor, WashU Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, was awarded the 2024 James Pattee Award for Excellence in Education by The Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. The James Pattee Award for Excellence in Education was established in 1997 to honor James Pattee, MD, CMD, the father of the AMDA Certification Program […]

Independence Day

St. Louis city skyline at night with fireworks.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The Fourth of July has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations dates back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental […]

July is UV Safety Awareness Month

July is UV Awareness month

UV exposure (ultraviolet radiation exposure) is the root cause of most skin cancers, however there are many safeguards you can take to help #practicesafesun year-round. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and treatment may involve much more than a mole removal. Skin cancer – especially melanoma, is the most serious […]

Bringing Healthcare to the Streets: The Mission of Street Med STL

Street Med-STL logo

In a world where healthcare often operates on rigid schedules and within traditional settings, there exists a growing need to adapt to the realities of those who cannot easily access or adhere to such structures. This is where organizations like Street Med STL step in, redefining healthcare delivery by taking it to the streets, quite […]

2024 Intern Welcome Party

2024 Intern Welcome Party-newspost

The Department of Medicine Intern Welcome party was hosted this year at the Lakeside Venue in the St. Louis Zoo. Saturday, June 15, 2024, over 70 interns from all over the country gathered for refreshments and hors d’oeuvres so they could get to know each other, as well as chat with faculty and peers. The […]

Kulkarni Editorial Published in Journal of Clinical Investigation

Hrishikesh S. Kulkarni, MD

“Hexamerization: explaining the original sin of IgG-mediated complement activation in acute lung injury” Hrishikesh S Kulkarni, MD, MSCI, Associate Professor of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology; Associate Program Director for Research, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, recently was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI). The editorial in the Journal of Clinical Investigation […]