Grant supports research on using personalized neoantigen vaccines in follicular lymphoma Hunter Cassidy Cochran, MD, Hematology-Oncology Fellow, was recently awarded a Lymphoma Research Foundation Grant as well as an Abstract Achievement Award for her poster shared at ASH205. The Lymphoma Research Foundation awarded Cochran a two year grant for her project on using personalized neoantigen vaccines […]
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Marty Kerrigan, MD, Appointed as Clerkship Director of Internal Medicine (Links to an external site)
We are delighted to announce a significant leadership development and share an exciting opportunity within the Department of Medicine’s educational leadership team. Please join us in congratulating Marty Kerrigan, MD, on his appointment as the new Clerkship Director of Internal Medicine!
White Matter Hyperintensity Burden and Decline in Driving Performance Among Older Adults (Links to an external site)
White matter hyperintensity (WMH) burden is associated with cognitive decline, but its association with driving performance among older adults and the associations of modifiable risk factors remain unclear.
Vermette announced as Macy Faculty Scholar
National foundation dedicated solely to improving the education of health professionals. David Vermette, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, and Pediatrics, Division of Hospital Medicine, was announced as one of five Macy Faculty Scholars. The Macy Faculty Scholars Program, now in its second decade, is dedicated to […]
2026 Dean’s Impact Award Recipients
The 2026 theme is “Honoring the Focused Excellence of Exemplary Clinicians and Researchers.“ Recipients of the Dean’s Impact Awards represent the compassion, innovation, and commitment required to build dynamic, meaningful, and community-focused efforts to improve clinical care, education, and research. Congratulations to:
$6.4 million supports studies of cardiac muscle function in heart failure (Links to an external site)
Michael J. Greenberg, PhD, an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, has received two grants totaling almost $6.4 million to investigate the complex roles of troponin — a critical protein in the heart — in various forms of heart failure. In particular, Greenberg’s research will […]
Publication reviews 15 years of DOLF accomplishments and looks toward disease elimination (Links to an external site)
The Death to Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis (DOLF) project at Washington University in St. Louis recently celebrated 15 years of conducting clinical and translational research to test new treatments to support the elimination of two major neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), namely lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis (also known as river blindness).
Dr. Gurkiran Dhindsa joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Gurkiran Dhindsa joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research as an Assistant Professor as of January 2026. Dr. Gurkiran Dhindsa received her medical degree from Guru Gobind Singh Medical College. She completed her residency at the State University of New York Health Sciences Center in Buffalo, New […]
2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctors®
The Department of Medicine is proud to announce that 170 of our faculty have been selected for the 2025 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® list. The Top Doctors® selection process is entirely merit-based. Doctors cannot pay to be listed. These doctors are best-in-class healthcare providers, embodying excellence in clinical care as well as interpersonal skills. More […]
Jeffrey R. Millman, PhD – Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Endocrinology
It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Jeffrey R. Millman is being appointed as the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Endocrinology in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research of the Department of Medicine at WashU Medicine. Dr. Millman is a distinguished scientist who discovered the process for converting human […]
January 2026 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. Residents of the Month Dr. Tori Tedeschi: “She is energetic, inquisitive, and helpful to the entire MICU Team. She often writes […]
Clinical considerations for thyroid dysfunction among older adults (Links to an external site)
Sina Jasim, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research at WashU Medicine, and Maria Papaleontiou, MD, associate professor of internal medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes at the University of Michigan, have published a narrative review in Thyroid®, the official journal of the American Thyroid Association.
Who wrote the book on medicine? We did! (Links to an external site)
Renowned for excellence in patient care, research and education, WashU Medicine is also a publishing powerhouse, home to the No. 1-selling medical textbook in the world.
Dr. Kevin Hurtado Selected for Induction into the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Links to an external site)
Kevin Hurtado, PhD, a postdoctoral research scholar in the laboratory of Leslie Gewin, MD, has been selected for induction into the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, a national honor recognizing exceptional scholarship, leadership, and a commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Leadership Announcement – Section Chief of Hospital Medicine
I am pleased to announce that Michael Lin, MD, SFHM, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Medicine, Geriatrics and Hospital Medicine has been appointed as the new Section Chief of Hospital Medicine in the Division of General Medicine, Geriatrics and Hospital Medicine. Dr. Lin brings an exceptional track record of leadership, clinical excellence, hospital […]
Closing the research-practice gap (Links to an external site)
Billions of dollars are invested each year in scientific research, yet too often the benefits stop at journal publications rather than reaching patients, communities or policymakers.
Petersen leads study on the effects of obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver on lipids (Links to an external site)
Max Petersen, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research at WashU Medicine, is the lead author of a new research article published in the Journal of Lipid Research, titled “Influence of obesity and insulin resistance with hepatic steatosis on the human plasma lipidome.”
Method spots early signs of infection after breast cancer reconstruction (Links to an external site)
In the U.S., one in eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, and about half of them will have mastectomies. Many of those women opt to have their breasts surgically reconstructed, most commonly with implants, but a relatively high percentage develop infections after implant surgery, requiring intravenous antibiotics and often removal of the […]
Nasal vaccine combats bird flu infection in rodents (Links to an external site)
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 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 Pennsylvania. She also received her […]
Immunotherapy reduces plaque in arteries of mice (Links to an external site)
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 […]
December 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. Residents of the Month Dr. Alex Taylor: “During her time she consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, clinical excellence, and unwavering ownership of […]
Alison Antes, PhD Appointed as MSCI Director (Links to an external site)
The WashU Medicine Clinical Research Training Center (CRTC) is thrilled to share that Alison Antes, PhD has been appointed as the Director of the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) Degree Program.
Breath carries clues to gut microbiome health (Links to an external site)
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.
Living with Marfan Syndrome, Marcy’s Journey After Aortic Dissection (Links to an external site)
When Marcy Lagarde, 42, of Raymore, Missouri, felt sudden excruciating pain in her left arm and had trouble lying down she knew something wasn’t right. Marcy has Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition that weakens the body’s connective tissue.
One of the First: Lois’s Remarkable Recovery with a New Transcatheter Valve (Links to an external site)
At 82 years old, Lois Miles was one of the first patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital to receive a transcatheter tricuspid valve implant, a groundbreaking procedure performed in 2024. It’s one more way the hospital and its academic physician partner, WashU Medicine, are helping patients with valve disease.
In-home mammalian meat reintroduction protocol shows promise in alpha-gal syndrome (Links to an external site)
An in-home mammalian meat reintroduction protocol was feasible and safe among patients with alpha-gal syndrome who had declining alpha-gal IgE titers and avoided red meat, according to study results.
Moe Mahjoub Advancing Lung Disease Research Through Dual R01 Awards (Links to an external site)
Moe Mahjoub, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, has received two newly awarded R01 grants from the NIH, totaling $6.1 million over four years.
Cao Awarded 2026 Young Physician-Scientist Award
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)
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.
Leslie Stuart Gewin, MD – Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Renal Diseases
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 […]
Dr. Will Ross Joins FOX2Now and “I Am St. Louis” Spotlight on Homer G. Phillips Hospital (Links to an external site)
The Missouri Historical Society is encouraging St. Louis residents to explore pivotal moments in the city’s past through its “I Am St. Louis” campaign. One of the stories highlighted is the legacy of the city’s influential Homer G. Phillips Hospital.
Nephrologist Maheen Khan Receives Prestigious 2025 Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award (Links to an external site)
Second-year WashU Nephrology fellow, Maheen Khan, MBBS, MD, was one of six resident physicians and fellows honored with the Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Awards at The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s 41st award presentation on November 24, 2025.
A tribute to Stuart A. Kornfeld (1936–2025) (Links to an external site)
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 […]
Inflammatory immune cells predict survival, relapse in multiple myeloma (Links to an external site)
A new study maps the immune cell landscape of bone marrow in patients with multiple myeloma, a rare cancer that develops in the plasma cells of the bone marrow and has no cure. This large immune cell atlas, which includes robust patient outcome data, provides unparalleled new insights into how the immune system interacts with […]
Matthew A. Ciorba, MD – William B. Kountz Professor of Medicine
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)
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 […]
Dr. Christina Kearse joins the Department of Medicine
Dr. Christina Kearse joins 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 to completing her fellowship in […]
2025 Diabetes Day Symposium Recap (Links to an external site)
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.
Dr. Gonzalo Matzumura Co-Author of Landmark LIBERATE-D Trial Redefining Dialysis Care (Links to an external site)
WashU Nephrology proudly recognizes Gonzalo Matzumura, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Acute Dialysis Services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, for his role as co-author and investigator in the landmark LIBERATE‑D (Liberation from Acute Dialysis) trial, published in JAMA on November 7, 2025.
Nussbaum family fuels pancreatic cancer research (Links to an external site)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Jasim honored with early career recognition for contributions in endocrinology (Links to an external site)
Sina Jasim, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Endocrine Neoplasia Services in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research at WashU Medicine, has been honored with the 2025 Early Career Award from the Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH) Medical Staff Association.
A Heart for Life: How One Woman’s Transplant Journey Came Full-Circle at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (Links to an external site)
When Ashley Brooks, RN, BSN, was born, the first hint her parents received that something was out of the ordinary was that nurses didn’t bring their infant daughter from the nursery to their room when it was time to eat. She had been taken to the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
Erica L. Scheller, Associate Professor in the Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases, Receives a WashU Transcend Initiative Grant (Links to an external site)
Dr. Erica L. Scheller, DDS, PhD, is a recipient of this year’s Transcend Initiative Grant – a grant that is given to WashU Faculty for their collaborative efforts across WashU schools.
$3.2 million grant funds research on computational AI in fistulizing Crohn’s disease (Links to an external site)
Parakkal Deepak, MBBS, MS, an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, and David H. Ballard, MD, an assistant professor of radiology at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, both of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and Satish Viswanath, PhD, an associate professor in pediatrics and in biomedical engineering at Emory […]
Discovery of viral entry routes into cells points to future prevention, treatment strategies (Links to an external site)
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified central routes that two deadly viruses take to invade human cells and have designed decoy molecules that block the infections.
Celebrating Millman and Lee: Bold Thinkers Driving Medical Progress
Falk Catalyst Awards support pioneering stem-cell discovery and neuromodulation approaches to improve patient lives. WashU Medicine is proud to celebrate two distinguished faculty members — Jeffrey R. Millman, PhD, and Jin-Moo Lee, MD, PhD — as recipients of the Dr. Ralph & Marian Falk Medical Research Trust Catalyst Award. This competitive award supports bold, early-stage […]