2023 was a whirlwind of groundbreaking discoveries, prestigious awards, and initiatives for the Department of Medicine’s Research Domain. From unraveling the genetic mysteries of osteoarthritis to reimagining cancer care, our investigators have pushed the boundaries of knowledge to make meaningful contributions to human health.

2023 Rewind: A Year of Scientific Success:

• McDonald Discovers Novel Genetic Loci Associated with Osteoarthritis

• Bhatt Elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation: A singular honor for a pioneering pulmonologist.

• Sultan and Lal Find Common Cancer Drug Drives Cardiotoxicity

• Hegde and Khalil Demonstrate that Therapy Before and After Surgery Improves Survival for Advanced Melanoma Patients

• Das Receives Funding for AI-Based Lung Cancer Screening and Treatment Response

• Pisu, Fouad Establish NIH-Funded Center for Cancer Control in Persistent Poverty Areas (C3P2)

• Rocque's $3.9 Million PCORI Funding Aims to Transform Cancer Care

Celebrating our Researchers and Innovators:

This year, we witnessed a constellation of achievements by our faculty, students, and staff. From Dr. Julie Kanter shedding light on the intricate process of implementing new gene therapy treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to Dr. Surya Bhatt's election to the prestigious American Society for Clinical Investigation, our Research DOMain resonated with accolades. We also saw four TRS awardees share their insights on research, and the Koopman Medical Student Research Excellence Awards recognize rising stars in our field.

Investing in the Future of Research:

With a $650K investment in 60 exceptional investigators the DOM continues to nurture the next generation of scientific pioneers. We are also committed to bridging health disparities, as evidenced by projects like Dr. Wong's multimorbidity survey in rural South Africa and Dr. Elk's investigation of racism in end-of-life care for African Americans.

Building a More Inclusive Future:

The newly reorganized DREAM Council (formerly RDG) took a significant step towards fostering inclusion by renaming three awards after trailblazing women in medicine: Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, Dr. Suzanne Oparil, and Dr. Jennifer Pollock. This initiative not only honors their contributions but also inspires future generations of female researchers.

These are just a few highlights from a year brimming with achievements. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and groundbreaking discoveries in the coming year!