Dr. Kyle Moylan joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Kyle Moylan joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Palliative Medicine as an Associate Professor in July of 2025. Dr. Moylan is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care. After completing his internal medicine residency and geriatric fellowship at Washington University, he served as chief resident before joining the Division of […]

Dr. Gassan Kassim joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Gassan Kassim joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology as an Assistant Professor in July of 2025. He graduated from medical school as valedictorian at the University of Debrecen in Hungary. He completed his internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai in New York City. He completed his gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship training […]

Dr. Megan White joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Megan White joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology as an Assistant Professor in July of 2025. She completed her medical education at Saint Louis University and further honed her expertise through residency and fellowship (both in gastroenterology and transplant hepatology) training at Washington University in St. Louis as well as an […]

Dr. Quazim Alayo joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Quazim Alayo joins the Department of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology as an instructor in July 2025. He earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, followed by advanced training in global health science at the University of Oxford and immunology at Harvard Medical School. Under the mentorship of Dr. Dan Barouch, […]

Dr. Sambhawane Bhandari joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Sambhawana Bhandari joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology as an Assistant Professor in July 2025. She provides comprehensive care to patients with autoimmune diseases, participating in general rheumatology, Rheumatology-Oncology, myositis, and CTD-ILD clinics. Dr. Bhandari’s research focuses on clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatic diseases, including database studies on ICI-induced […]

Dr. Wei Zou joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Wei Zou joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases as an Associate Professor in July 2025. He has more than two decades of extensive research experience on bone biology. His research was initially focused on understanding the mechanisms by which inflammatory factors such as LPS and TNF-α regulate osteoclast differentiation. […]

Julia López, PhD, MPH, LCSW, an inaugural recipient of the 2025 Spark Change Award (Links to an external site)

Julia López, PhD, MPH, LCSW

The Spark Change Award honors leaders who catalyze transformation—not only through bold ideas, but also through the daily, persistent work of creating more inclusive, just communities. Julia was nominated by colleagues and selected by the Spark Change Award Selection Committee to be one of two inaugural recipients of this award.

Strategy to prevent age-related macular degeneration identified (Links to an external site)

Fixing problems with cholesterol metabolism might help slow or prevent a common cause of age-related vision loss, a new WashU Medicine study in mice has shown. Pictured are color-stained retinal epithelial cells from a mouse eye, the first cells to die as age-related macular degeneration progresses.

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis identifies a possible way to slow or block progression of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in people over age 50. The WashU Medicine researchers and their international collaborators implicated problems with cholesterol metabolism in this type of vision loss, perhaps […]

Dr. David Zhang joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. David Zhang joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine as an Instructor in June 2025. He was raised in San Antonio, Texas. He attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied physics and graduated with college honors. During his time in college, was inducted into the physics honor society, […]

Dr. Shannon Coombs joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Shannon Coombs joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine as an Instructor in June 2025. She grew up in Elmsford, New York before attending Howard University in Washington, DC where she graduated summa cum laude with honors distinction with a Bachelor of Arts in History as well as being inducted into […]

2025 Department of Medicine Intern Welcome Party

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The Department of Medicine’s annual Intern Welcome Party, was graciously hosted this year at the home of Dr. Victoria Fraser, the esteemed Adolphus Busch Professor of Medicine and department chair. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, more than 50 incoming interns, representing institutions from across the country, gathered for an evening of informal introductions and camaraderie. […]

Department of Veterans Affairs Challenge Coin Presented to Bernal-Mizrachi

Carlos Bernal-Mizrachi, MD, Chief of Medicine/ ACOS Medical Service at St. Louis VA Medical System, Philip E. and Carolyn E. Cryer Professor in Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, was recently presented a VA Challenge Coin by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs at the VA health system. A challenge coin is a small, […]

Genetic Testing Core Curriculum: An Interview (Links to an external site)

Genetic Testing Core Curriculum: An Interview

Implementation of clinical genetic testing into the routine diagnostic workup of patients with kidney disorders can improve care when employed with proper patient selection. Due to advances in technology, testing with curated gene panels associated with kidney diseases are commercially available, are relatively inexpensive, and have quick turnaround time. 

15th Annual Gateway Conference Delivers a Spectrum of Educational Opportunities (Links to an external site)

The 15th Annual Gateway Hospital Medicine Conference took place from May 1, 2025, to May 3, 2025, at the Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC). The Gateway Conference planning committee, composed of adult and pediatric physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists, put extensive effort into designing, planning, and implementing the agenda for the conference.

Dr. Soophia Naydenov joins Department of Medicine

Dr. Soophia Naydenov joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine as a Professor in January 2025. She is dedicated to excelling in clinical care, educational initiatives, and administrative leadership. Her mission is to enhance PE patient care across all treatment stages, from acute care to long-term follow-up, through innovative and […]

Dr. Ugonna Nwankwo joins the Department of Medicine

Dr. Ugonna Nwankwo joined the Department of Medicine in the Cardiovascular Division as an Associate Professor in June 2025. He was previously Director of adult congenital heart disease at Saint Louis University and SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s hospital. He earned his medical degree at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed a combined residency […]

Environmental hygiene intervention burden in hospital sinks: a prospective study

Kwon

The effects of a prospective sink environmental hygiene intervention on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia burden in hospital sinks Jennie Kwon, DO, MSCI, Associate Professor of Medicine at WashU Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases, co-published research in eBioMedicine about the burden of hygiene in hospital sinks. Co-principal investigators are; Gautam Dantas, PhD, Conan Professor of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, and […]

STEP-HI Study Publishes in JAMA Open

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Study Finds That Testosterone Gel Use in Women Recovering from Hip Fracture Does Not Improve Outcomes Compared to Supervised Exercise Alone Results from a recent multi-center, randomized, controlled trial demonstrate that testosterone gel does not improve physical function compared to exercise alone in older women recovering from a hip fracture. The STEP-HI study was published […]

The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Announces Associate Directors (Links to an external site)

Milan G. Chheda, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of Neuro-oncology

WashU Medicine physicians Jiayi Huang, MD, (left) and Milan Chheda, MD, named associate directors of The Brain Tumor Center. The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center, a multidisciplinary practice of physicians and scientists, has named two board-certified WashU Medicine faculty members as associate directors. They are:

ICTS-supported facility accelerates translation of promising research into improving outcomes for cancer and other related diseases (Links to an external site)

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Housed within the Siteman Cancer Center, the Biologic Therapy Core Facility (BTCF) partners with physicians and scientists to manufacture, characterize, and release complex, clinical-grade cell and gene therapy products, imaging agents, and other biologics to support early-phase clinical trials.

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

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Congratulations to the 20 Department of Medicine (DOM) Accolade Recipients Sadhu, Justin Cardiology Cardiology – mod 3 Faculty O’Brien, Rachel Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases Clinic (TABEX) NP Shawa, Harrison Dermatology Dermatology Resident Resident/Clinical Fellow Anderson, Scott Internal Medicine Medicine Firm Resident/Clinical Fellow Araujo de Oliveira Santana, Marcela Internal Medicine Residency Program Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases Resident/Clinical […]

Perlmutter to conclude deanship in 2026 (Links to an external site)

David H. Perlmutter, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and the George and Carol Bauer Dean of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, will conclude his deanship on June 30, 2026, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin. 

Support Tornado Relief

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As proponents of community-centered initiatives, the Department of Medicine would like to highlight several efforts being carried out by grassroots groups and organizers. DOM encourage you to share these resources within your networks and, if possible, consider supporting them through donations. Resource Support Provided Areas Served Find More Information People’s Response Hub Mobilizing volunteers, coordinating […]

‘Don’t Fry Day’ shines a light on sun safety tips for Memorial Day weekend (Links to an external site)

Alice Zhou, MD

‘Don’t Fry Day’ is designated by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) and is held on the Friday before Memorial Day each year. Friday morning, Siteman Cancer Center and American Cancer Society stopped by the Show Me Studios to raise awareness about sun safety and skin cancer prevention. They explain that the goal […]

Hematology-Oncology Fellow Podany Receives 2025 Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award

Emily Podany, MD

Research grants and awards from Conquer Cancer accelerate the progress of oncology professionals Emily Podany, MD, Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program, Fellow Wellness Leader, WashU Medicine Division of Oncology, received the 2025 Conquer Cancer – Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Endowed Young Investigator Award in Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity. The Young Investigator Award (YIA) provides research […]

Mark Thoelke, MD, Presented with Plaque to Honor his Legacy and Impact (Links to an external site)

Mark Thoelke, MD

Mark Thoelke, MD, has had an incredible impact on hospital medicine, both within Barnes-Jewish Hospital and beyond. After completing his internal medicine residency and serving as Chief Resident at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Dr. Thoelke became Director of the Gold Service in 1995, one of the earliest hospitalist programs in the nation.

McCrary Presents at NAM 2025 Emerging Leaders Forum

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Infectious Complications of Substance Abuse Madeline McCrary, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, WashU Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, was invited to participate in the 2025 National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Emerging Leader Forum (the Forum) that was held in Washington DC, April 8-9, 2025 at the National Academy of Sciences Building. The exclusive, invitation only […]

Five Department of Medicine Faculty Graduate inaugural cohort of WashU Medicine Pivotal Leaders Program

The inaugural cohort at WashU Medicine – Department of Medicine has completed the Pivotal Leaders Program for Division Chiefs and Section Heads, which concluded on May 8, 2025.  This nine-month program supports division chiefs and section heads in strengthening the medical school’s culture, advancing faculty success, enhancing learner experience, and improving departmental operational effectiveness. “I […]

Advanced Heart Valve Procedures Expand Treatments for Patients With Limited Options (Links to an external site)

transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) procedures for tricuspid regurgitation treatment

With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) procedures for tricuspid regurgitation treatment, heart specialists at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center in St. Louis, Mo., are pioneering advances that enhance the quality of life for patients who have historically suffered debilitating […]

WashU Medicine fungal specialists fight often misdiagnosed infections (Links to an external site)

Andrej Spec, MD, leads the Invasive Fungal Infections Clinic at WashU Medicine, a globally recognized center that treats challenging and often misdiagnosed infections. (Photo: Matt Miller/WashU Medicine)

When it comes to questions about fungal infections, Andrej Spec, MD, has become the go-to expert for doctors around the world. Each week, he takes 10 to 15 calls from physicians struggling with complex fungal diagnosis or treatment questions. He has fielded queries from all across the U.S. and as far away as China, Thailand, Japan, […]

Early Intervention & Multidisciplinary Care: Key to Positive Outcomes for Heart Failure Patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (Links to an external site)

Abstract blue and red human heart. Heart anatomy. Healthcare medical concept. Low poly style design. Geometric background. Wireframe light connection structure. Modern 3d graphic concept. Vector

Justin Vader, MD, a WashU Medicine cardiologist and heart failure specialist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, often sees patients with heart failure who are so sick by the time they enter care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, that they require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Fortunately, the heart failure team is often able to stabilize such patients and transition them to a platform […]

Congratulations to the Big Ideas competition winners! (Links to an external site)

big ideas winners

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.

WashU Celebration of Inventors 2025 (Links to an external site)

WashU inventor Russell Pachynski, MD, poses with his custom patent cube.

On April 24, 2025, the Office of Technology Management hosted the eighth annual Celebration of Inventors, an event to honor and recognize Washington University inventors, researchers and faculty entrepreneurs. 

Jennie H. Kwon, DO, MSCI Among Women Shaping St. Louis Future (Links to an external site)

Jennie H. Kwon, DO, MSCI

The Briefcase Coach, a boutique executive career PR firm, recently published a list of “50 Women Shaping the Future of St. Louis” through visionary leadership, bold innovation, and deep commitment to service. These women excel across many fields and are driving meaningful change to their communities.