Nasal vaccine combats bird flu infection in rodents (Links to an external site)

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a nasal vaccine against the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, or bird flu, which has jumped from wild birds to livestock to humans. When tested in rodents, the vaccine elicited a strong immune response and prevented infections in animals exposed to H5N1.

Since it was first detected in the U.S. in 2014, H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has jumped from wild birds to farm animals and then to people, causing more than 70 human cases in the U.S. since 2022, including two fatalities. The virus continues to circulate among animals, giving it the opportunity […]

Dr. Melissa Kaltenbach joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Melissa Kaltenbach joins the Department of Medicine joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology as an Assistant Professor as of January 2026. Dr. Kaltenbach received her MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University and completed her clinical training in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and transplant hepatology from the Hospital of the University of […]

Immunotherapy reduces plaque in arteries of mice (Links to an external site)

An immunotherapy reduces plaque in the arteries of mice, offering a potential new strategy to treat cardiovascular disease, according to a study led by WashU Medicine researchers. An artery from an untreated mouse (top) shows more plaque (orange) than that of a mouse treated with the antibody-based immunotherapy (bottom).

Scientists have designed an immunotherapy that reduces plaque in the arteries of mice, presenting a possible new treatment strategy against heart disease. The antibody-based therapy could complement traditional methods of managing coronary artery disease that focus on lowering cholesterol through diet or medications such as statins, according to the findings of a new study led […]

SCC Catchment Prevention and Control Trial Grants (Links to an external site)

Red bud trees blossom near Forest Park Avenue and Kingshighway near Siteman Cancer Center, Center for Advanced Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital on April 21, 2022. MATT MILLER/WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Full application deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026. Purpose: This funding opportunity is meant to support new or ongoing prevention and control-based interventional trials involving at least one health system partner in SCC’s catchment area. The best proposals will move evidence-based cancer practices into clinical and community settings and/or address health disparities in the catchment area.

January 2026 Accolade Recipients – SAFE (Supporting a Fair Environment)

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Congratulations to the 14 Department of Medicine (DOM) Accolade Recipients. Golec, Lynn Medicine-Hematology Hematology Nurse Practitioner Feldeisen, Delaney IM IM Senior Resident Resident/Clinical Fellow Feldeisen, Delaney Internal Medicine Med Firm Green Team Resident/Clinical Fellow Foster, Jaleyea Internal Medicine Cards FIRM Blue Resident/Clinical Fellow Kwok, Michael Internal Medicine IM Resident/Clinical Fellow Merrell, Dallin Internal Medicine BJH […]

December 2025 Kudos and Awards

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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. Residents of the Month Dr. Alex Taylor: “During her time she consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, clinical excellence, and unwavering ownership of […]

15th Annual Fellow Immersion Training (FIT) Program in Addiction Medicine (Links to an external site)

Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 Program Description: A four-day intensive immersion training that equips incoming and current clinical subspecialty fellows with state-of-the-art skills and content to integrate addiction medicine into research and clinical care. This curriculum prepares fellows to incorporate addiction science into their research bycovering advances in the field of clinical addiction research through […]

25th Annual Chief Resident Immersion Training (CRIT) Program in Addiction Medicine (Links to an external site)

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Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 Program Description: A four-day immersion training to equip incoming chief residents with the skills to diagnose, manage, and teach about substance use and addiction. All chief residents will develop a Substance Use Teaching Project (SUTP) to implement at their home institution. Faculty mentors who accompany their chief resident will support […]

4th Annual CARE Faculty Scholars Program in Addiction Medicine (Links to an external site)

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Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 Program Description: An in-person four-day immersion training followed by six virtual 90-minute ECHO Learning Collaborative sessions. All participants must be able to attend the entire immersion training, attend all six ECHOsessions, and develop an Addiction Medicine Enhancement Project (AMEP). The NIDA grant supports up to ten $500 scholarships to be […]

Breath carries clues to gut microbiome health (Links to an external site)

WashU Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that an analysis of compounds exhaled in breath can be used to infer which microbes are living in the gut, paving the way for a rapid, non-invasive breath test to monitor and diagnose gut health issues.

The human gut is home to trillions of beneficial microbes that play a crucial role in health. Disruptions in this delicate community of bacteria and viruses — called the gut microbiome — have been linked to obesity, asthma and cancer, among other illnesses. 

International travel requirement (Links to an external site)

A miniature Earth showcases famous landmarks, airplanes, and clouds, symbolizing global travel and international destinations.

WashU is concerned with the health, safety, and security of all members of our community while traveling outside of the United States of America. The WashU International Travel Policy has been adopted to ensure a consistent set of travel standards to be followed by all units of the university. The policy applies to all international […]

Ramadan (Links to an external site)

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This year, the holy month of Ramadan is to begin on Tuesday, February 17 – Thursday, March 19, 2026. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance in the Islamic faith. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and increased devotion to Allah.

Black History Month Reflections (Links to an external site)

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During Black History month, we hope you have time to reflect on the many historical sacrifices and important contributions of Black Americans to our American way of life. We do this in the spirit of sharing:

Happy Lunar New Year 2026 (Links to an external site)

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Chinese New Year in 2026 is the Year of the Horse and is scheduled to start on Tuesday, Feb. 17, and last until the Lantern Festival on March 3, the date of the next full moon. It is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional […]

February is Heart Health Awareness Month

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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 […]

Cao Awarded 2026 Young Physician-Scientist Award

Siyan "Stewart" Cao, MD, PhD

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 […]

Kirmani Receives Lifetime Achievement Award (Links to an external site)

Nigar Kirmani, MD Professor of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases

On November 14, 2025, Nigar Kirmani, MD, professor of medicine, was honored at the Semi-Annual General Staff Meeting and presented with the BJH Medical Staff Association Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with over 25 years of distinguished service, honoring their exceptional contributions, leadership, teaching, and patient care.

Call for Applications: Developmental Research Awards (Links to an external site)

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A collaboration of WashU Medicine in St. Louis and Reinsurance Group of America Foundation, the Longer Life Foundation has as its mission: To fund and support the study of factors that either predict the mortality and morbidity of select populations or influence improvements in longevity, health, and wellness.

Leslie Stuart Gewin, MD – Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Renal Diseases

Leslie Gewin, MD

Colleagues, it is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Leslie Stuart Gewin has been named the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Renal Diseases in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Gewin is an outstanding physician scientist, clinician and educator who is nationally recognized for her many contributions in academic Nephrology. Dr. Gewin earned her […]

A tribute to Stuart A. Kornfeld (1936–2025) (Links to an external site)

David C. and Betty Farrell Professor of Medicine, Stuart A. Kornfeld, MD, assistant professor Wang-Sik Lee, PhD, and associate professor Balraj Doray, PhD, look over test results in the Clinical Sciences Research Building on April 10, 2019. MATT MILLER/WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Half-century of research illuminates how cells work in health, disease - Kornfeld reflects on knowledge gained from longest running NCI grant - Stuart Kornfeld, MD, has led the field of glycobiology — the study of sugars bound to proteins — for decades, fueled by the same grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that first supported his lab more than 50 years ago. He reflects on his career and the advances made possible by the NCI's longest running research grant.

A giant in the field of biomedical research, Stuart Arthur Kornfeld, MD (Figure 1), passed away in St. Louis on Sunday, August 17, 2025, following complications from Parkinson’s disease. Stuart was the David C. and Betty Farrell Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). His leadership roles at WUSM, where […]

Matthew A. Ciorba, MD – William B. Kountz Professor of Medicine

Matthew A. Ciorba, MD

Colleagues, it is my great pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew A. Ciorba as the William B. Kountz Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology at WashU Medicine. The Kountz Chair was previously held by Dr. Gus Schoenfeld, Dr. David Alpers and most recently Dr. Deborah Rubin, all exceptional physician scientists. Dr. Ciorba will continue this […]

WashU startups attract record-setting $1.7 billion in private-sector investment over past year (Links to an external site)

St. Louis-based biotech company Wugen, which is developing cell-based immunotherapies for hard-to-treat blood cancers, is among the WashU startups that collectively have attracted a record-setting total of $1.7 billion in private-sector investment over the past year.

Startup companies built on Washington University in St. Louis discoveries attracted a record $1.7 billion in private-sector investment over the past year, accelerating the commercialization of WashU innovations into life-changing diagnostics, therapeutics and medical devices. Among those innovations are a blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease; immunotherapies to treat aggressive blood cancers; and an AI-based […]

WashU Data Viz Competition (Links to an external site)

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The WashU Data Viz Competition is part of Love Data Week and is supported by the Digital Intelligence & Innovation (DI²) Accelerator, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, University Libraries, and Becker Medical Library. The second annual competition is now open and accepting submissions until Sunday Jan 25th, 11:59 p.m. CT. 

2024-2025 Academic Year of Impact (Links to an external site)

As we begin the new year, I am filled with gratitude for the enormous contributions our faculty, staff and trainees have made, providing outstanding care for patients, performing groundbreaking research and delivering exceptional educational programs. This has not been an easy year. We have dealt with many challenges including a tornado that impacted many in […]

Dr. Christina Kearse joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Christina Kearse joins the Department of Medicine joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Palliative Medicine as an Instructor as of January 2026. Dr. Kearse obtained her medical degree in 2019 from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She then completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at MUSC. Prior […]

2025 Diabetes Day Symposium Recap (Links to an external site)

Diabetes Day Symposium

In honor of World Diabetes Day, the Diabetes Research Center of the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research hosted the 2025 Diabetes Day Symposium. The event took place on Thursday, November 6, at WashU Medicine’s Eric P. Newman Education Center. The symposium brought together scientists, trainees, and clinicians to showcase research, foster collaboration, and raise awareness of cutting-edge advances in diabetes research. 

Obituary: Steven L. Teitelbaum, professor of pathology and immunology, 87 (Links to an external site)

Steven L. Teitelbaum, MD, a nationally recognized leader in bone biology research at WashU Medicine, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in St. Louis after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage. He was 87. Teitelbaum was the Wilma and Roswell Messing Professor of Pathology & Immunology and professor of medicine in the WashU Medicine Division of Bone & Mineral Diseases. A […]

January is Blood Donor Month

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 […]

December 2025 Accolade Recipients – SAFE (Supporting a Fair Environment)

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Congratulations to the 9 Department of Medicine (DOM) Accolade Recipients. Richardson, Erin Gastroenterology Gastroenterology Staff Wilson, Taylor Internal Medicine IM PGY2 Resident/Clinical Fellow Hassan, Ghandi Internal Medicine Med 1 Firm Resident/Clinical Fellow Amy, Zhao Internal Medicine Medicine – Cards Firm Resident/Clinical Fellow Kwok, Michael Internal Medicine MICU Resident/Clinical Fellow Patino, Diego Internal Medicine VA 1D […]

Big Ideas program to sunset, celebrating legacy of innovation (Links to an external site)

Big Ideas graphic

The Big Ideas program, which began to foster health care innovation, will officially conclude with the 2025-2026 cohort at the end of the academic year. This decision follows the planned sunsetting of the Healthcare Innovation Lab, marking a strategic shift to better integrate care delivery innovation throughout clinical operations.

Nussbaum family fuels pancreatic cancer research (Links to an external site)

WashU Medicine’s Kian-Huat Lim, MD, PhD, second from left, welcomed members of the Nussbaum family to his research lab. (Courtesy photo)

When Sam Nussbaum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in his 70s, it was no surprise to his family that he chose WashU Medicine for his care. After all, Nussbaum had spent a significant portion of his distinguished career as a physician-scientist and health-care executive at the medical school and BJC HealthCare. And during that time, […]

Genetic analysis explains rare disease severity, points to possible treatment (Links to an external site)

Normal lung tissue is shown on the left. On the right is lung tissue from a person with primary ciliary dyskinesia with a CCDC39 mutation. A large mucus plug is visible in magenta, demonstrating the severe airway problems seen in such patients with these specific mutations. (Image: Brody lab/WashU Medicine)

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have uncovered why some patients with a rare genetic disorder called primary ciliary dyskinesia have worse lung problems than others with the same disorder. The discovery, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that gene therapy to restore a missing protein complex could help treat the […]

Couple make $6.5 million gift to WashU Medicine (Links to an external site)

Kyung Ja Shin Lee, MD, PhD, left, and Won Ro Lee, MD, right, paid their first visit to St. Louis in July to witness the installation of their daughter, Janet Lee, MD, as WashU Medicine’s Selma and Herman Seldin Distinguished Professor in Medicine. (Photo: Dan Donovan/WashU Medicine)

Won Ro Lee, MD, PhD, and Kyung Ja Shin Lee, MD, consider themselves fortunate people, despite having grown up in challenging circumstances. Kyung Ja escaped North Korea as a young child; both she and Won Ro grew up in poverty and lived through the Korean War. Their futures could have been significantly different had they […]

2025 Winston Fellows (Links to an external site)

Lila Dabill and David Turicek

The David and Deborah Winston Fellows in Diabetes Research was established in 2012 through a generous gift from David and Deborah Winston. Awarded annually by the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, it supports graduate students engaged in diabetes and diabetes-related research who reside within laboratories of Diabetes Research Center members.