by Sarah L. Minor, MS

The DOM Research Development Group (RDG) has undergone a transformation to become the DOM Research Excellence Advancement and Mentoring Council.

However, the DREAM Council's mission remains the same—to recognize and reward research excellence in the Department of Medicine, to foster mentorship, and to facilitate the career development of junior research faculty. This re-branding effort was undertaken to increase the recognition of the Council's work, highlight award opportunities, and increase opportunities to reward investigators at all stages across the Department of Medicine.

This year, the DREAM Council is focused on mentorship. The group oversees the selection of DOM candidates who receive early career development awards, helping them bridge to K awards. They support the selection of candidates to receive Heersink School of Medicine Pittman Scholars awards, and they help place medical students interested in research into labs through Koopman Scholarships. It is also launching a new award focused on supporting trainees and junior faculty who are from backgrounds under-represented in medicine.

Pictured L to R: Lynn Matthews, M.D., MPH, Jarrod Barnes, Ph.D., MBA, and Timmy Lee, M.D.,

Associate Professor in Infectious Diseases Lynn Matthews, M.D., MPH, is Chair of the Council. Associate Professor in Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Jarrod Barnes, Ph.D., MBA, is Vice Chair. Together they lead 14 additional members from across the divisions of DOM, each serving a term of 2-3 years. DOM Vice Chair for Research, Timmy Lee, M.D., is an ex-officio member.

Service on the DREAM Council helps junior faculty accrue noteworthy service to the institution and allows senior faculty the opportunity to mentor rising talent.

The Council's long-term goal is to help make the dreams of research scientists across the DOM a reality, which will promote research excellence across the institution.

DOM DREAM Council Committee Members

Katie Alexander Ph.D., of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 
Gretchen Wells, M.D., of Cardiovascular Disease 
Susan Birket, Ph.D., of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine 
Ellen Eaton, M.D., of Infectious Diseases 
James Kobie, Ph.D., of Infectious Diseases 
Javier Neyra, M.D., of Nephrology
Carmen De Miguel, Ph.D., of Nephrology 
David LaFon, M.D., of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine 
Gregory Payne, M.D., Ph.D., of Cardiovascular Disease
Lisa Zubkoff, Ph.D., of Preventive Medicine
James Shikany, Ph.D., of Preventive Medicine
Jasvinder Singh, M.D., of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology
Robert Welner, Ph.D., of Hematology and Oncology
Pran Datta, Ph.D., of Hematology and Oncology