Trial will assess safety, efficacy of next-generation vaccine given via nasal spray, inhalation A nasal vaccine for COVID-19 – based on technology developed at Washington University in St. Louis – is poised to enter a phase 1 clinical trial in the U.S. after an investigational new drug application from Ocugen, Inc. was approved by the […]
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, […]
Amy McQueen, PhD, Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Medicine & Geriatrics, has been named the Director of Master of Science in Clinical Investigation at Washington University School of Medicine.
Fred Ssewamala, PhD, William E. Gordon Distinguished Professor at the Brown School and director of the International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD); Proscovia Nabunya, PhD, assistant professor at the Brown School and co-director of ICHAD; and Juliet Iwelunmor, PhD, professor of medicine and associate director for global health and dissemination at WashU Medicine, have […]
A recent study led by Beth Prusaczyk, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Medicine & Geriatrics, looks at how barriers to healthcare social service utilization increases for rural area-based older adults who use drugs.
At WashU’s Global Health Center in the Institute for Public Health, teams of cardiologists, implementation scientists, and other experts are spearheading efforts to address one of the world’s most common and treatable risk factors for cardiovascular disease: hypertension. These efforts span multiple NIH/NHLBI-funded studies underway in Peru, Nigeria, India, and the United States.
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine is excited to announce the next cohort of pilot projects funded by the Institutional Research Grant from the American Cancer Society. The $360,000 grant will support 12 pilot projects from 2025–2027, including the four new projects described below.
Ethnic Equality Month, starting on February 1st, is a lively celebration that showcases our diverse world. It highlights the beauty of various cultures and backgrounds, encouraging us to recognize our similarities while cherishing the unique qualities that define each culture.
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.
Dr. Mark Joven, a dedicated Bone Health Fellow, has been accepted into the highly esteemed ASBMR LEAD Program. This accomplishment is an incredible milestone in his career and reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing the field of bone and mineral research.
In 2023, several like-minded hospitalists noticed a gap in patient care, provider knowledge, and research within the division and hospital regarding the treatment of patients with addiction. These physicians—Benjamin Hoemann, MD; Thomas Hoyt, MD; Alex Lane, MD; Randy Laine, MD; Alyssa Moller, MD; and Corey Shy, MD—decided to come together to discuss these issues and […]
Each colored stripe in the image above represents a unique virus particle, with the width of each stripe reflecting the number of copies, in a hamster infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Jacco Boon, PhD, a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and colleagues have developed a tool to study […]
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 […]
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 […]
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Alan Braverman, Professor of Medicine and Alumni Endowed Professor in Cardiovascular Diseases, has been appointed the inaugural Head of the new Section of General Cardiology in the Division. Dr. Braverman received his MD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in 1985. He went on to […]
This interview is one in a series of interviews with the 2025 recipients of the ACGME Awards. These awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the 2025 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February […]
Brian Gage, MD, MSc, Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Medicine & Geriatrics, research on mycophenolic acid in lung transplant recipients has been published in the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation.
The first study to assess how weight-loss drugs affect the whole of human health has discovered an “eye-opening” impact on the body, researchers say.
Researchers are working with industry toward a clinical trial for blood cancer patients Two new studies led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a possible way to block the progression of several forms of blood cancer using a drug already in clinical trials against breast cancer.
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 […]
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) […]
Off-the-shelf CAR-natural killer cells could expand accessibility, reduce cost of cell-based cancer therapies
The application period for this funding will open on March 1, 2025 and close on March 31, 2025 (5 p.m. CDT). This seed funding opportunity will support pilot studies in the broad research topics of global CVD and/or CVD-related diseases with the goal to address the large and growing burden of disease in both USA […]
The Big Ideas Program invites innovative proposals that use data, advanced analytics (including artificial intelligence or AI), and workflow re-design to address critical clinical and operational needs that impact the quality, safety, outcomes, and value of healthcare delivery. Projects should align with the core purpose and values of BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine, emphasizing clinical […]
In this heartfelt episode, Kim Sorrelle sits down with Dr. Debra Parker Oliver, Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, to explore the profound intersection of caregiving, grief, and resilience. Drawing from her personal journey caring for her husband, Dr. Oliver shares insights from her extensive research and her memoir, Legacies From the Living Room: […]
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, […]
The Washington University Kidney O’Brien Center for Chronic Kidney Disease Research, established in 2024, is excited to announce it is accepting applications for its 2nd immersive summer research program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing nephrology research.
Molly Keppell, BS, MS, joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Instructor in January 2025. She was raised in southern Illinois and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While there, she earned her B.S. and M.S. in Crop Science. Her research there focused on diseases of sweet corn and […]
Dr. Brooks Brodrick joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Allergy and Immunology as an Assistant Professor in January 2025. She received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin. She then went on to complete both her MD and PhD as part of the NIH-Funded MSTP program […]
WashU nephrologists Leslie Gewin, MD, and Anuja Java, MD, recently participated in the 2024 Mid-Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar. Organized by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the seminar took place December 2-5, 2024, in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico.
In this Issue: Message from the Chair, Grants, High Impact Research Publications, Spotlight, Clinical Programs, Awards/Fellowships/Honors/Accolades, Leadership/Appointments, Office of Faculty Development (OFD), Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship & Social Justice (IDEAS) at DOM, Vice Chair for the Advancement of Women’s Careers, Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Vice Chair of Education, Vice Chairs of Safety, Quality, and […]
Continuing its role as a leader in leukemia research, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has been awarded a five-year, $10.8 million grant to further its exceptional programs in leukemia and other blood cancers.
In March, Samantha Adamson, MD, PhD; Sangeeta Adak, PhD; Max C. Petersen, MD, PhD; Dustin Higgins, DO; Larry D. Spears, PhD; Rong Mei Zhang, MD; Andrea Cedeno, MD; Alexis McKee, MD, CDCES; Aswathi Kumar, MD; Sudhir M. Singh, MD; Fong-Fu Hsu, PhD; Janet B. McGill, MD, MA, FACP; and Clay F. Semenkovich, MD had their article titled “Decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum phospholipids in human skeletal muscle are associated with metabolic […]
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. […]
As 2024 comes to a close, the Global Health Center wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season. We are excited to reflect on this year’s accomplishments — achieved through the unwavering support of our team, collaborators and community members — and look forward to what lies ahead in 2025. We thank you for your […]
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 […]
Congratulations to the 11 Department of Medicine (DOM) Accolade Recipients Lonigro Lori Gastroenterology Staff Heather Beal and Jillian Schuette Heather Beal and Jillian Schuette Dermatology – COH Mohs – (Heather Beal and Jillian Schuette) Staff Mann Caroline Dermatology Faculty Rosman Ilana Dermatology Faculty Cheema Sana Med Firm Resident/Clinical Fellow Jin Julie Med Firm Resident/Clinical Fellow […]
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional lunar calendar and usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The history of Chinese New Year dates back over 4,000 years, rooted […]
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20, 2025) serves as a reminder to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr by engaging in acts of service and promoting inclusivity within our communities. It is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together, reflect on the progress made, and strive for a more […]
Joins this year’s class of 170 honorees for his innovations in imaging, diagnostics and drug delivery using nanoparticles
In honor of World Diabetes Day, the Diabetes Research Center of the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research sponsored the 2024 Diabetes Day Symposium. The event took place on Thursday, November 7 at the Washington University School of Medicine’s Eric P. Newman Education Center, with programming aimed at bringing together scientists and trainees to showcase their work, […]
The Society of Hospital Medicine has a monthly publication entitled, ‘The Hospitalist’ in which they share helpful information about a variety of topics that are relevant to hospital medicine. The October 2024 issue featured an article about substance use disorder in physicians written by Dennis Chang, MD, Tony Dao, MD, Carol Faulk, MD, and Kieran […]
Division Chief Mark Williams, MD, along with the Social and Wellness Committee, spearheaded the inaugural Division of Hospital Medicine Awards Ceremony as an opportunity to recognize the hard work and efforts of our providers and staff. They worked together to create 12 award categories and sent out surveys for the division to nominate their colleagues and […]
The DOLF Project PI, Dr. Peter Fischer, and associate director Laura Peer traveled to Liberia in October for a mid-trial visit the site of DOLF’s clinical trial of treatment for the neglected tropical disease (NTD) onchocerciasis (also known as “river blindness”). The clinical trial is located at Bong Mines Hospital about 70 miles from the […]
Fundamentals of Performance Improvement and Change Management Summary The Physician Leadership Development Program will equip physicians in the Department of Medicine with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in leadership roles. The program is tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by leaders in medicine in today’s healthcare system. This course offering […]
Andreas Herrlich, MD, PhD, Director of Translational Medicine at WashU Nephrology, has been recruited for the editorial board of the new journal, Comprehensive Physiology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by John Wiley & Sons on behalf of the American Physiological Society that will focus on interorgan communication.
The brightest minds solving brain cancer’s toughest challenges. Brain tumors are among the most challenging cancers to effectively treat. Depending on the tumor’s location, surgery can interfere with cognitive function, movement or language, and surgery often is not the solution because the tumor cells are invasive and intertwined with normal brain cells. Additionally, the brain’s […]
NIH grants recognize the quality and significance of WashU Medicine research in enabling life-changing advances in medicine In a testament to the quality and national competitiveness of biomedical research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the school secured $683 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in federal […]
In November 2024, Dr. Maria Baggstrom, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Oncology, presented a poster at the annual Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Learn Serve Lead Group on Women in Medicine and Science (GWIMS) Poster Session that she co-authored with Dr. Rakhee Bhayani, Vice Chair of Advancing Women’s Careers and Professor of […]
For the first time, annual research funding to Washington University in St. Louis has surpassed $1 billion. External funding supports WashU investigators tackling big challenges from Alzheimer’s disease to air pollution to childhood depression. Research funding also ripples across the economy, sparking job growth, new construction and local spending, said Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.