Dr. Syeda Ashna Fatima Kamal joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital as an Instructor in September 2025. She brings a diverse and robust background in internal medicine, oncology, and palliative care to her role. She was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and spent much of her formative years in Dubai, United Arab […]
When injured, cells have well-regulated responses to promote healing. These include a long-studied self-destruction process that cleans up dead and damaged cells as well as a more recently identified phenomenon that helps older cells revert to what appears to be a younger state to help grow back healthy tissue.
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
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. These conditions, which include atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, cause one in three deaths globally and one in five in the United States. Beyond that stark reality, those living with the conditions may contend with disability, psychological distress, financial burden, and […]
Dr. Jesse Zaretsky joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Oncology as an Instructor in August of 2025. His clinical and research interests focus on understanding mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy to guide better treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other cancers. Therapies that activate the immune system to fight cancer […]
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 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 […]
Stuart A. Kornfeld, MD, the David C. and Betty Farrell Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in St. Louis from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 88.
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.
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 […]
WashU scientists are collaborating to unlock secrets of a millennia-old scourge. Efforts may lead to an increased understanding of and improved treatments for tuberculosis, which is once again on the rise.
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 […]
BJC Health System has received 109 recognitions for clinical excellence from U.S. News & World Report, including national ranking for Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 11 out of 14 specialties. Multiple BJC hospitals are ranked among the “Best Hospitals” in Missouri.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) recently announced the selection of new officers and board members for the society with terms starting at the conclusion of the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 (ASM), which will take place September 26-29, 2025 in Minneapolis, MN.
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.
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 […]
Monica Chang-Panesso, MD, Assistant Professor, WashU Medicine Division of Nephrology, has been awarded funding from the KidneyCure Transition to Independence Grants Program, a foundation of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN).
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine is pleased to announce funding for 12 new projects, including four clinical trials. Through this research, investigators aim to improve the understanding of tumor formation and growth, develop safer, more effective therapies, and explore new cancer screening strategies.
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 […]
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 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 […]
Barbara W. Trautner, MD, PhD joined WashU Medicine as the Co-Chief of the Infectious Diseases (ID) Division and professor of medicine in the Department of Medicine, effective July 1, 2025.
Tristan McIntosh, PhD & Alison Antes, PhD authored a paper in Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics titled “Evaluating and Supporting Leadership, Management, and Mentoring: A Framework for Catalyzing Responsible Research and Healthy Research Environments”.
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 […]
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.
Cardiologist receives Harrington Discovery Institute award to support the development of breakthrough treatments for heart disease
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.
The itching, redness and swelling of an allergic reaction are caused by mast cells — the vigilant first responders of the immune system that spring into action with histamine-filled granules in response to a perceived threat.
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 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 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 […]
WashU Nephrology proudly congratulates Benjamin Humphreys, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Nephrology, on his appointment as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI).
Jeffrey Miner, PhD, FASN, Eduardo and Judith Slatopolsky Professor of Medicine in Nephrology at Washington University, was among the 35 workshop participants of the Alport Syndrome Research & Regulatory Workshop recently held in Cambridge, MA.
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 […]
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, 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 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, 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 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 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 […]
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, […]
Smoother skin, smaller pores, better hydration — these are just a few of the many benefits facials can offer. And who isn’t relaxed after being horizontal for an hour while someone massages your face and tends to your pores?
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 […]
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 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 […]