Dr. Ashenafi Bulle joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Ashenafi Bulle joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Instructor in August 2025. He is a passionate and accomplished biomedical scientist whose career spans veterinary medicine, molecular biology, and translational cancer research across Africa, Europe, and North America. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with distinction from Addis […]

Dr. Aaron Case joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Aaron Case joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine as an Assistant Professor in August 2025. He is interested in health services research, specifically understanding how to best optimize the intermediate care setting for both nursing and patient outcomes.  As more severely ill patients present to the hospital […]

Genetic study suggests ways to catch blood cancer earlier (Links to an external site)

Kelly Bolton Illustration

A new WashU Medicine study shows that acquired mutations in blood stem cells — whether arising from smoking, exposure to toxins or even normal aging — interact with mutations passed down by parents in important ways that influence a person’s lifetime risk of developing blood cancer. The knowledge could inform early detection and prevention.

Building a World-Class Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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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 […]

Trautner contributes to IDSA Clinical Guidelines for cUTIs

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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 […]

WashU Program Cultivates the Next Generation of Clinical Research Professionals (Links to an external site)

1st cohort of Clinical Research Professional Apprentices. From left to right: Johnson, Hanks, Berendzen, Martin-Giacalone

In a world where clinical research drives life-changing advancements in healthcare, it is critical to have a team of well-informed, skilled, and dedicated professionals to carry out clinical trials. The Clinical Research Professional Apprenticeship was developed at the WashU Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS), advancing the institute’s strong commitment to building a workforce […]

Non-canonical functions of DNMT3A in hematopoietic stem cells regulate telomerase activity and genome integrity (Links to an external site)

Luis F. Z. Batista, PhD, Associate Professor and Andrew L. Young, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Hematology

Grant Challen, PhD, Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Oncology, teamed up with  Luis F. Z. Batista, PhD, Associate Professor and Andrew L. Young, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Hematology, on a new research publication “Non-canonical functions of DNMT3A in hematopoietic stem cells regulate telomerase activity and genome integrity”, published this month in […]

Millman’s technology succeeds in new stem cell therapy trial, offering hope for type 1 diabetes (Links to an external site)

Jeffrey R. Millman, PhD

A groundbreaking clinical trial utilizing technology developed previously by Jeffrey R. Millman, PhD has reported promising new findings in the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The study, conducted by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, evaluated a stem cell-derived islet (SC-islet) replacement therapy known as Zimislecel. In this Phase 1/2 trial, researchers implanted SC-islets into patients with T1D to replace the […]

In Memoriam: Stuart Arthur Kornfeld, MD

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.

October 4, 1936 – August 17, 2025 It is with deep sadness that I share the news that Dr. Stuart Arthur Kornfeld, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 88. Dr. Kornfeld was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 4, 1936, to Max and Ruth […]

Joynt Maddox in new roles at AHA (Links to an external site)

Karen E. Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH

Professor of Medicine and Co-Director of the WashU Center for Advancing Health Services, Policy & Economics Research Karen Joynt Maddox, MD, MPH has accepted two new roles with the American Heart Association as of July 1st. 

Katchi Named Co-Director of Advanced Cardiac Imaging (Links to an external site)

Farhan Katchi, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine Farhan Katchi, MD has been appointed Cardiology Co-Director of the Advanced Cardiac Imaging (CT/MR) Program, a joint effort between Cardiology and Radiology, reinvigorating the program that was started in 2006 by Benico Barzilai, MD and Pamela Woodard, MD. He will join Scott Bugenhagen, MD, PhD who will assume the Co-Director role on the Radiology side.

Prabhu Lab publishes research on spleen-heart immune link crucial to heart attack recovery (Links to an external site)

Sumanth Prabu, MD, Lewin Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases and Chief of the WashU Cardiovascular Division

Researchers at WashU Medicine’s Center for Cardiovascular Research have discovered that specialized immune cells from the spleen play a critical role in healing the heart after a heart attack. The study, led by Sumanth Prabhu, MD, Division Chief and director of the Prabhu Lab, identifies a unique population of macrophages—immune cells that clean up cellular debris—that travel […]

Leadership Announcement – Cardiology/Medicine Firm Medical Director

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I am pleased to announce that Justin Sadhu, MD, MPHS, FACC, Professor of Medicine, in the Cardiovascular Division, has been appointed as the Cardiology/Medicine Firm Medical Director.  Justin S. Sadhu, MD, MPHS, FACC, Professor of Medicine in the Cardiovascular Division, joined the Department of Medicine in 2015. Dr. Sadhu completed his undergraduate degree at the […]

July 2025 Kudos and Awards

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. Intern of the MonthDr. Niyaza Mammootty “She is an outstanding intern who exceeded every expectation. Performing at a very high level in […]

Dr. Brendan Knapp joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Brendan Knapp joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Assistant Professor as of August 2025. He is a clinical investigator interested in the management of patients with lung and head and neck malignancies.  He obtained his bachelor’s degree of science from Purdue University in 2015 and his MD from Indiana […]

Riek receives Endocrinology Teacher of the Year Award  (Links to an external site)

Amy Riek, MD

Amy Riek, MD, was honored by WashU Medicine’s Internal Medicine Residency Program as the 2025 Endocrinology Teacher of the Year. The award was presented during the program’s annual conference luncheon, held on May 15 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center. Each year, the Internal Medicine Residency class selects outstanding faculty, fellows, and residents who have made […]

EP Leadership Announcement (Links to an external site)

Daniel Cooper, MD and Timothy Smith, DPhil, MD

Cardiac Electrophysiology faculty members Daniel Cooper, MD and Timothy Smith, DPhil, MD will be in new roles in the Division beginning July 1. Dr. Cooper will be taking over as EP Lab Director, with Dr. Smith stepping into the role of EP Fellowship Director.

Transformative $15 million gift bolsters WashU Medicine’s physician-scientist training program (Links to an external site)

WashU Medicine secured $683 million in research funding from the NIH in 2024, a record high for the school and an affirmation of its leadership in shaping the future of medicine.

Internationally renowned physician-scientist and pharmaceutical executive, P. Roy Vagelos, MD, and his wife, Diana, have pledged $15 million to bolster the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis — a pioneering program founded by Roy Vagelos more than 50 years ago to train future generations of physician-scientists.

Dr. Christine Auberle joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Christine Auberle joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Assistant Professor in August 2025. Her clinical focus is on thoracic and head and neck malignancies. Her research interests include identification of therapeutic options for smoking-related diseases of the thorax and head and neck. She hopes to improve clinical outcomes of patients […]

Dr. Emily Podany joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Emily Podany joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Assistant Professor in August 2025. She has a clinical and research focus on breast cancer. Her clinical interests include metastatic breast cancer, symptom management to maintain quality of life, using liquid biopsy to focus treatment using targeted therapies, ensuring all patients […]

Dr. Walter Schiffer joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Walter Schiffer joined the Department of Medicine in the Cardiovascular Division as an Assistant Professor in August 2025. He specializes in cardio-oncology and cardiac critical care, with a focus on improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cancer and those requiring intensive cardiac support. His clinical and research interests center on better identifying and managing cardiovascular […]

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

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 […]

Call for Proposals: Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC) Pilot & Feasibility Program

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Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, by 4 p.m. The Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC) Pilot & Feasibility Program provides annual grant awards to junior faculty, offering mentorship on their projects and career development. Support is typically awarded for one to two years, allowing eligible investigators to explore the feasibility of a concept related to the […]

Sena Kim, PhD, Receives St. Baldrick’s Foundation Scholar Grant

Sena Kim, MD

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 […]

Dr. Mrunal Patel joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Mrunal Patel joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine as an Instructor in July 2025. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at Trumbull Regional Medical Center, Ohio, where he gained extensive experience in managing a diverse range of complex medical cases. Originally from Gujarat, India, he pursued his medical degree at […]

Anne Mobley Butler, PhD, MS, reveals antibiotics in first trimester may raise risk of birth defects (Links to an external site)

Anne Butler Mobley, PhD

Anne Mobley Butler, PhD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at WashU Medicine, was senior author of a study published in JAMA Network Open about the incidence of serious perinatal outcomes when treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy . Co-authors include Michael Durkin, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine in […]

Singh Receives Grant from Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation

Nathan Singh, MD, MS

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 […]

Dr. Francis Loh joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Francis Loh joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine as an Instructor in July of 2025. He was born in Saint Louis and subsequently lived in Japan and New Jersey. He attended Harvard University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics with a focus on statistics, where he […]

New Graduate programs in Biomedical data science and AI

Siteman Cancer Center – based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

The Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics (I2DB) is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of two new programs: a Master of Science and a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Data Science and AI. Designed to meet the growing demand for experts at the intersection of data, technology, and healthcare, these programs offer interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on research, […]

Study proposes novel drug to target arterial thrombosis (Links to an external site)

3d rendered medically accurate illustration of the human blood cells and lymphocytes

Researchers at the WashU Medicine  Sah Lab in the Center for Cardiovascular Research and their collaborators have published findings that provide a proof of concept for a  novel drug class to treat myocardial infarction and stroke. Rajan Sah, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine in the cardiovascular division, worked with multiple teams that collaborated to observe and describe a […]

4 physician-scientists named Dean’s Scholars (Links to an external site)

Roheena Z. Panni, Quazim A. Alayo, Ignacio A. Portales-Castillo and Whitney S. Brandt

Physicians who divide their time between patients’ bedsides and the laboratory bench play a pivotal role in developing innovative new approaches to diagnosing and treating diseases. The Dean’s Scholars initiative at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis was formed in 2020 to support early-career doctors who also conduct biomedical research by providing them with up […]

Dr. Muhammad Yasir Baloch joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Muhammad Yasir Baloch joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology as an Assistant Professor in July 2025.  He has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to clinical excellence, innovative education, and impactful advancements in patient care.  His personal journey, shaped by his family’s experience with kidney disease, has instilled in him a deep […]

Dr. Sayel Alzraikat joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Sayel Alzraikat joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine as an Instructor in July 2025. Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, he earned his medical degree from the University of Jordan, where he developed a strong interest in clinical practice and research. During medical school, he worked on multiple projects, including […]

Dr. Majd Mokbel joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Majd Mokbel joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine as an Instructor in July 2025.  He started his journey at the University of Michigan Dearborn for his undergraduate studies, graduating with a double major in biochemistry and Spanish. Following graduation, Dr. Mokbel followed his passion for community service by serving in […]