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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
As we prepare for the start of a new academic year, I am delighted to welcome more than 40 new faculty members, along with an outstanding group of residents and fellows, to the Department of Medicine. Their expertise, talent, and dedication strengthen our collective commitment to excellence in patient care, research, education, and service.
When Dr. Barbara Trautner arrived at WashU Medicine a year ago to serve as Co-Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases, she was ready for a challenge. What she may not have expected was just how much she’d enjoy watching the leaves change color. Coming from Houston, where seasons can feel more subtle, Dr. Trautner […]
The Department of Medicine Intern Welcome party was hosted this year at the Lakeside Venue in the St. Louis Zoo. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, more than 60 interns from across the country gathered for an evening of refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and meaningful conversation. The event provided a welcoming opportunity for interns to meet one […]
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 […]
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 […]
This summer marks the close of a remarkable decade of growth and transformation under the leadership of David H. Perlmutter, MD, Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and the George and Carol Bauer Dean of Medicine. In April, Dr. Perlmutter delivered his final State of the School address, reflecting on the many accomplishments that have […]
At WashU Medicine, virologist Jacco Boon, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases, is turning his attention to a growing but often overlooked public health concern: tick-borne viruses in Missouri and across the Midwest. Boon’s path to studying some of the world’s smallest—and most complex—infectious agents began long before his work in Missouri. Originally from the Netherlands, […]
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 […]
Flag Day, celebrated on June 14th each year, holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. While it may not be as widely recognized or celebrated as some other national holidays, its significance in commemorating the symbol that represents the United States is profound. Flag Day and the History Behind It Flag Day […]
World Heart Rhythm Week, observed annually from June 1st to June 7th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about heart rhythm disorders and promoting cardiovascular health. This week-long event serves as an opportunity for healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and individuals to come together to educate the public about the importance of maintaining a […]
Grant will support innovate research on inflammation and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) Fan He, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, has been awarded a Young Investigator Award (YIA) from the Edward P. Evans Foundation to support innovative research investigating inflammatory mechanisms that drive myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). MDS is characterized by ineffective blood […]
Provides support for research on perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (PFCD) Siyan “Stewart” Cao, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Gastroenterology, recently was awarded the 2026 American Gastroenterological Association Pilot Research Award. The AGA Research Foundation Pilot Research Award was presented to fifteen distinguished clinical researchers, providing funding to support early-career investigators in establishing their […]
John W. Davis, MD, PhD, Resident, WashU Medicine Department Medicine, has been selected for a JACC: Heart Failure Top Peer Reviewer Award. The award was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) in New Orleans, recognizing outstanding peer reviewers for the journal during the past year. Davis is one of 20 […]
Memorial Day is meant as a day of observance for us to honor those who lost their lives while serving our country in the U.S. military. Originally it was known as Decoration Day, and began in the years following the Civil War and was officially designated a federal holiday in 1971. Many observe Memorial Day […]
Prevention is the best strategy to help avoid having one. When it comes to dealing with strokes, every second truly does matter. Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated. And every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. 795,000 strokes happen each year and chances are if you […]
Let’s break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health by spreading awareness and understanding. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often goes unnoticed or untreated. Here are some key points to consider:
Department of Medicine recognized at annual awards ceremony. On March 30, 2026, the annual Distinguished Service Teaching Awards ceremony was held honoring WashU Medicine educators who have made the most significant contributions to the training of future physicians. Established by students and supported by the Office of Medical Student Education, the Distinguished Service Teaching Awards […]
Dear colleagues and friends, As we officially welcome spring to St. Louis, I am reminded every day of the incredible accomplishments taking place within the Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine. Together, we are advancing discovery, shaping the future of patient care, and training the next generation of physician-scientists at a scale that is truly […]
Easter is the central holy day of the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Christian belief, Jesus was persecuted, died for the sins of humanity, and rose from the dead on the third day. For Christians, the resurrection is a source of daily hope and assurance of victory over sin and […]
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now offers a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG and includes 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2026 is Our Power, Our Planet. One key […]
Passover, known as Pesach in Hebrew, is among the most widely celebrated Jewish holidays. It commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, as recounted in the biblical book of Exodus. Lasting for seven or eight days (depending on tradition), Passover is a time of reflection, remembrance, and celebration.
For patients with advanced kidney disease, transplantation offers far more than an alternative to dialysis — it offers the chance to live longer, feel better and reclaim a full, active life. “Every day, we see patients whose lives could be transformed by a kidney transplant,” said WashU Medicine – Department of Medicine transplant Nephrologist Dr. […]
Closing the Quality Divide – Providing health care we want, need, and deserve. With the evolving health care needs of our communities, it’s more important than ever that we are continuously assessing and responding to any gaps in patient care and experience. “Closing the Quality Divide” is more than providing consistent and excellent care to […]
Award is a three-year professional and leadership development program designed to help early-career clinical investigators Thomas Odeny, MD, MPH, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Oncology, member of the School for Public Health secondary faculty, has been selected for a Winn Clinical Investigator Leadership Award. This competitive three-year program, supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation […]
Grant supports research on using personalized neoantigen vaccines in follicular lymphoma Hunter Cassidy Cochran, MD, Hematology-Oncology Fellow, was recently awarded a Lymphoma Research Foundation Grant as well as an Abstract Achievement Award for her poster shared at ASH205. The Lymphoma Research Foundation awarded Cochran a two year grant for her project on using personalized neoantigen vaccines […]
National foundation dedicated solely to improving the education of health professionals. David Vermette, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, and Pediatrics, Division of Hospital Medicine, was announced as one of five Macy Faculty Scholars. The Macy Faculty Scholars Program, now in its second decade, is dedicated to […]
The 2026 theme is “Honoring the Focused Excellence of Exemplary Clinicians and Researchers.“ Recipients of the Dean’s Impact Awards represent the compassion, innovation, and commitment required to build dynamic, meaningful, and community-focused efforts to improve clinical care, education, and research. Congratulations to:
Holi is a vibrant and colorful Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal but also observed by communities around the world. Also known as the “Festival of Colors” or “Festival of Love,” Holi typically takes place in March, marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The Holi festival always […]
February, a month traditionally associated with love, also brings attention to something equally vital: heart health. Recognized as Heart Health Awareness Month, February is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which continue to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Join us in highlighting the importance of heart health and taking steps to […]
Siyan “Stewart” Cao, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Gastroenterology, recently was awarded the The American Society of Clinical Investigation 2026 Young Physician-Scientist Award. The American Society for Clinical Investigation seeks to support the scientific efforts, educational needs, and clinical aspirations of physician-scientists to improve the health of all people. The ASCI Council Young […]
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 […]
Falk Catalyst Awards support pioneering stem-cell discovery and neuromodulation approaches to improve patient lives. WashU Medicine is proud to celebrate two distinguished faculty members — Jeffrey R. Millman, PhD, and Jin-Moo Lee, MD, PhD — as recipients of the Dr. Ralph & Marian Falk Medical Research Trust Catalyst Award. This competitive award supports bold, early-stage […]
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 […]
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, […]
Welcome to the fall edition of the DOM Insider! There are many exciting things happening across the Department of Medicine this season. We are in the final stages of fellowship recruitment, and each of our programs has received applications from many outstanding candidates. We look forward to celebrating together on Fellowship Match Day, December 3rd. […]
The Academy of Educators at WashU Medicine is an institutional collaboration dedicated to fostering a culture of educational excellence and an institutionally valued community of leaders in health science education. The Academy supports educators’ continued skill development and educational growth through programs, workshops, grants, and awards. “What an inspiring day it was—welcoming new Academy members, honoring our […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When Dr. Kandice Roberts, a hematology and oncology fellow at WashU Medicine, arrived at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, Kenya, she expected to learn. What she didn’t anticipate was how deeply the experience would reaffirm her commitment to building long-term, sustainable partnerships in global cancer care. “I was struck by […]
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S. population. Currently there are no available therapies that reverse or prevent lung damage in this heterogeneous disease process. A major area of need is the identification of mediators in blood or lung fluid that can guide development of novel effective […]
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
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 […]
Congratulations to the 13 Department of Medicine (DOM) Accolade Recipients Huang, Alice Cardiology Cardiology – Firm Resident/Clinical Fellow Davis, Clayton Internal Medicine Cardiology – Firm Resident/Clinical Fellow Tang, Jonathan Internal Medicine Medicine Resident VA/1D Resident/Clinical Fellow Golden, Amanda Internal Medicine Senior Resident Resident/Clinical Fellow Scales, Kamilah Internal Medicine Residency IM Resident Resident/Clinical Fellow Patino, Diego […]
Sena Kim, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, WashU Medicine Division of Oncology, is a recipient of a St. Baldrick’s Foundation grant. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants, recently announced the newest round of research grants totaling $10 million. The new grants demonstrate St. Baldrick’s ongoing commitment to funding the most […]
Singh Lab continues to focus on enhancing the function of immune cell therapies Nathan Singh, MD, MS, Associate Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Oncology, has received a continuation grant from the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. The Foundation’s Continuation Grant program supports Damon Runyon Clinical Investigators who are approaching the end of their original awards […]