The Division of Rheumatology is proud to announce that Joy Um, MD has been named a recipient of the 2026 Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award.
Joy Um, MD Receives 2026 Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award (Links to an external site)
Category: News
2025-2026 Academic Year – Faculty Promotions
Excellence, innovation, and dedication are hallmarks of our faculty, and we are proud to celebrate those whose accomplishments have earned promotion during the 2025-2026 academic year. These promotions recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advanced discovery through research, inspired learners through education, and delivered outstanding patient care. The Department of Medicine congratulates our newly […]
Liver transplants offer new hope for late-stage colorectal cancer (Links to an external site)
When Meghan and Mark Moore got married in 2021 at their home in suburban St. Louis, the group of close friends in attendance knew Meghan had been diagnosed with colon cancer just days earlier. Already, the tumor had spread to her liver, making her cancer stage 4 — an advanced diagnosis with limited treatment options.
Nasal spray vaccine protects against bird flu in mice (Links to an external site)
WashU Medicine researchers led by Jacco Boon, a professor in the John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, report that an experimental bird flu vaccine provides strong immune protection in mice, including in animals previously vaccinated against seasonal flu.
DOLF reaches final stage of onchocerciasis clinical trial in Liberia (Links to an external site)
A WashU Medicine-led research team is nearing a major milestone in a clinical trial in Liberia aimed at improving treatment for onchocerciasis, or river blindness. The study, Safety and Efficacy of Novel Combination Regimens for Treatment of Onchocerciasis, has reached its final stage, with participants undergoing final examinations and surgical nodule removal procedures 24 months after […]
Omar Osorio, PhD, Receives Award from the American Federation for Medical Research (Links to an external site)
Omar Osorio, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow in the lab of Jennifer Alexander-Brett, MD, PhD, has been named a recipient of a 2026 Henry Christian Award from the American Federation for Medical Research (AFMR).
From ashes and adversity to a new career path (Links to an external site)
Farahnaz Tooryalai’s career journey began 7,228 miles away. “I came from a country where war disrupted every part of life, where women and girls were denied basic rights and their voices and dreams were often silenced,” Tooryalai said. “When I left my home country, I packed an entire life in my suitcase: a suitcase of dreams, hopes and ambitions.”
A Q&A with Maya Jerath: Physician-scientist on the frontline of alpha-gal syndrome (Links to an external site)
The year 2026 has been great for ticks. The number of emergency department visits for tick bites have reached near-record highs across the United States, with the Midwest and Northeast experiencing the highest rates of activity, according to the federal government’s tick bite data tracker.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Call for Applications (Links to an external site)
HHMI invests in scientists at all career stages who drive biomedical research, expand the pool of scientific talent, and make discoveries that advance human health for decades to come. HHMI accelerates the success of scientists across career stages through transformative programs and long-term commitments. Our opportunities equip scientists with the resources and community for breakthrough […]
Dr. Daniel Aldea joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Daniel Aldea joins the Department of Medicine in the Cardiovascular Division as an Assistant Professor as of September 2026. Dr. Aldea completed his undergraduate study in Mathematics and English Literature at Washington University in St. Louis before attending medical school at Boston University School of Medicine. He went on to do internal medicine training […]
How I Became a Global Oncology Leader (Links to an external site)
Thomas A. Odeny, MD, MPH, PhD, is a medical oncologist and implementation scientist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he also leads the Global Oncology Initiative. His clinical focus is lymphoma and virus-associated malignancies such as Kaposi sarcoma, and his research focuses on improving cancer care and clinical trial access in […]
International Travel Policy (Links to an external site)
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 […]
Dr. Kristin Mondy joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Kristin Mondy joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases as a professor as of September 2026. Dr. Mondy has served as the inaugural Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas from 2017 until this past spring of 2026. She […]
Emily F. Cole, MD, MPH, FAAD – John Cochran VA Medical Center Chief of Dermatology
I am pleased to announce that Emily F. Cole, MD, MPH, FAAD, has been selected as the new Chief of Dermatology at the John Cochran VA Medical Center. Dr. Cole is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Dermatology at WashU Medicine. She specializes in complex medical dermatology, with particular clinical and research interests in […]
ISPE names Butler as Fellow (Links to an external site)
Anne Mobley Butler, PhD, MS, an Associate Professor of Medicine at WashU Medicine, and secondary faculty in the Bursky School of Public Health and the School of Medicine Division of Public Health Sciences, has been named a Fellow of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE).
Huffman, Mahmoud and Vijay Publish Circulation Perspective on CKM Syndrome Guideline (Links to an external site)
WashU Medicine Cardiovascular Division faculty members Mark Huffman, MD, MPH and Zainab Mahmoud, MD, MSc, along with cardiology fellow Aishwarya Vijay, MD, have published a perspective in Circulation addressing implementation of the newly released 2026 AHA/ACC/ADA/ASN Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome.
Study Identifies Gaps and Opportunities in Cardiac Amyloidosis Care for Veterans (Links to an external site)
A study co-authored by WashU Medicine Cardiovascular Division faculty members Joshua D. Mitchell, MD, MSCI, Ali Javaheri, MD, PhD, and Jonathan D. Moreno, MD, PhD, evaluated the availability and delivery of cardiac amyloidosis care across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system.
Former KL2 Scholar Awarded NIA Funding for Alzheimer’s Caregiver Research (Links to an external site)
Jacquelyn Benson, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine in the WashU Division of Palliative Medicine, has recently been awarded funding from the National Institute on Aging to conduct a randomized controlled trial to test a 1:1, paraprofessional peer-delivered multicomponent support intervention for family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Reno Awarded Bursky School of Public Health Community Engagement Award (Links to an external site)
Hilary E. L. Reno, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine the Infectious Diseases Division at Washington University School of Medicine, secondary faculty with the WashU Bursky School of Public Health, and Medical Director of the St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center (STL PTC) has been awarded the 2026 WashU Bursky School of Public Health Community Engagement Award in […]
Rajan Sah, MD, PhD – Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Endowed Professor of Cardiology
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Rajan Sah has been appointed the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Endowed Professor of Cardiology at WashU Medicine. He exemplifies the qualities this endowed professorship recognizes, including outstanding translational research, clinical excellence, and transformative leadership in innovation and scientific discovery. Dr. Sah completed his MD and PhD […]
Goldberg serves as senior author on national guidance for familial hypercholesterolemia (Links to an external site)
Anne C. Goldberg, MD, FACP, FAHA, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research at WashU Medicine, is the senior author of an article published in April in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology.
Agarwal contributes to updated global definition of heart failure (Links to an external site)
Anubha Agarwal, MD, MSc, of the WashU Cardiovascular Division, contributed to an international expert consensus document updating the global definition of heart failure and providing a unified framework for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Liang elected to HIV Medicine Association Board of Directors (Links to an external site)
Philana Liang, a physician assistant in the Division of Infectious Diseases at WashU Medicine, has been elected to serve on the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) Board of Directors.
Dr. Melida Castelblanco joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Melida Castelblanco joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research as an Instructor as of September 2026. A biologist by training, she completed a Master’s in Applied Microbiology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona before earning her PhD in Health from the University of Lleida in Spain, where […]
Dr. Vanessa Kung joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Vanessa Kung joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases as an Assistant Professor as of August 2026. Dr. Kung completed MD, PhD training at the University of Wisconsin, internal medicine residency at Emory University, and infectious disease fellowship at the University of Colorado. In 2023-2026, she was the Deputy Director […]
Dr. Abhishek Bhandari joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Abhishek Bhandari joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine as an Instructor as of August 2026. Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr. Bhandari studied at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) in Dharan, Nepal, completing medical school and an internal medicine residency. After his training, he worked at […]
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Links to an external site)
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 through October 15, celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Initiated as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson and expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 by […]
Low-carb diet delivers added liver benefits beyond weight loss (Links to an external site)
There is no shortage of popular diets to try, and they can generally produce weight loss if followed to the letter. But are all diet plans created equal in terms of reducing the cardiometabolic risks that come with obesity, such as Type 2 diabetes and liver disease?
IDSA renews Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence designation of BJH program (Links to an external site)
The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (BJH-ASP) has been renewed as an Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence. This designation recognizes hospitals that consistently provide high-quality stewardship services, advance innovative stewardship practices, and demonstrate a strong commitment to improving antimicrobial use and reducing resistance.
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur (Links to an external site)
September 11-13 is Rosh Hashanah, or Jewish New Year. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah and it is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah is also known as the “Days of Renewed Responsibility,” and begins at sunset on day one and ends at nightfall the next. The Jewish New Year […]
Sickle Cell Awareness Month
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 […]
Cristina Vazquez Guillamet, MD, Awarded NIH R01 Grant to Improve Early Detection of Hospital-Onset Sepsis (Links to an external site)
The Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine is pleased to announce that M. Cristina Vazquez Guillamet, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, has been awarded a National Institutes of Health R01 grant for her project, “Graph Neural Networks and Longitudinal Mediation Analysis for Hospital-Onset Sepsis to Improve Early Detection and Uncover Modifiable Risk Factors.” The R01 […]
Ducharme selected for American Board of Internal Medicine Task Force (Links to an external site)
Nicole Ducharme, DO, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research at WashU Medicine, has been selected to serve on the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Item-Writing Task Force.
Steven Cheng Teacher of the Year in Nephrology (Links to an external site)
Congratulations to Steven Cheng, MD, Professor of Medicine, who was recognized as Teacher of the Year in Nephrology as part of the 2025-2026 Internal Medicine Residency Program Awards. These annual awards are selected directly by residents to honor outstanding teaching, mentorship, and clinical leadership across the Department of Medicine.
American Cancer Society Supports Researchers Advancing Bold Ideas Toward Patient Impact (Links to an external site)
As part of our recently announced slate of new grants, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is proud to support a new cohort of Research Scholar Grant and Mission Boost Grant recipients. Together, these awards help ensure that innovative cancer research can move forward at critical stages, from establishing independent research programs to advancing discoveries toward testing […]
BJC HealthCare Announces New Name for Palliative and Supportive Care Institute, Investing in the Future of Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care (Links to an external site)
The demand for specialized serious illness and end-of-life care continues to grow as our population ages and more people live longer with complex chronic conditions. As nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population are now baby boomers, the need for high-quality palliative and hospice care has never been greater.
Dr. Thomas Westbrook joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Thomas Westbrook joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Assistant Professor as of August 2026. Dr. Westbrook is also a genitourinary medical oncologist with clinical and research interests in treatment resistant advanced cancers. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, completed residency training […]
New research shows promise for treating hepatitis C in pregnancy (Links to an external site)
Researchers and clinicians at WashU Medicine are helping reshape how hepatitis C virus (HCV) is treated during pregnancy, with a new study showing that a commonly used antiviral regimen can be used safely and effectively in pregnant patients in real-world care.
mRNA-Based Therapy Offers New Hope Against High-Risk Melanoma (Links to an external site)
In a major announcement, an experimental mRNA vaccine has been shown in global clinical trials to prevent melanoma from returning or spreading in high-risk melanoma patients when combined with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, known commercially as Keytruda, and given after surgery.
Speeding progress toward ending HIV epidemic is aim of global conference (Links to an external site)
New tools for fighting HIV, including medicines and diagnostic tests, have led to higher survival rates and a reduction of new infections. But HIV remains a persistent epidemic, infecting an estimated 41 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Despite the availability of these potentially life-saving tools, studies show that many communities — particularly […]
DOM Insider Volume 31 (Links to an external site)
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.
Mitreva receives award for parasite research (Links to an external site)
WashU Medicine researcher Makedonka Mitreva, PhD, received the 2026 Henry Baldwin Ward Medal. The highest honor awarded by the American Society of Parasitologists, the Ward Medal is given annually to a mid-career member of the society who has achieved a position of leadership in independent parasitological research.
Ley elected to the American Philosophical Society (Links to an external site)
Timothy J. Ley, MD, a professor of medicine and of genetics at WashU Medicine and the Lewis T. and Rosalind B. Apple Chair in Oncology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, has been elected as a member of the American Philosophical Society. The society was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743 to “promote useful knowledge.”
How this Siteman clinic helps patients navigate the first days after a cancer diagnosis (Links to an external site)
The START Strong Survivorship Clinic connects newly diagnosed patients with nutrition, physical therapy, emotional support, and resources to help them navigate treatment from the very beginning.
DOLF Project and partners publish two new manuscripts on zoophilic filarial species in Indonesia (Links to an external site)
In July, the DOLF team and collaborators at the University of Indonesia published two new manuscripts highlighting zoonotic and zoophilic filarial species in the Belitung district of Indonesia. Long-term collaborators Drs. Peter Fischer and Taniawati Supali are leading research that will help to better understand the role of animals in the transmission and elimination of […]
Dr. Michael Root joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Michael Root joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine as an Assistant Professor as of August 2026 and Associate Medical Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program. Dr. Root is a pulmonary and critical care physician whose work focuses on the care of patients with complex lung […]
Finding Purpose and Building Community: Dr. Barbara Trautner’s First Year at WashU Medicine
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 […]
National Academy of Sciences: Call for Nominations
The National Academy of Sciences is seeking nominations for its 2027 awards recognizing exceptional scientific achievement. Awards span a wide range of disciplines and career stages, honoring researchers whose discoveries have advanced scientific understanding and benefited society.
Dr. Scott Fabricant joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Scott Fabricant joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases as an Assistant Professor as of August 2026. Dr. Fabricant completed his Infectious Disease training at Boston Medical Center. His clinical and research interests focus on the intersection of infectious diseases and substance use disorders, including serious injection-related infections, hepatitis C, […]
In Memoriam: Katherine Parker Ponder, MD
I am sad to report the death of Dr. Katherine Parker Ponder, a valued WashU faculty member for 24 years, first in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and then in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hematology. Dr. Ponder succumbed to her breast cancer after a long battle that she approached with grace […]