Veena Antony, M.D., (Professor, PACCM) led a study published in Scientific Reports, detailing the effect of low dose cadmium — a highly toxic metal and environmental pollutant found in cigarette smoke — on lung epithelial cells. Investigators focused on the interaction of microRNA-381 and AN01 in lung epithelial cells by comparing lung tissue samples from participants who never smoked and individuals with COPD who previously smoked a minimum of 15 pack years. Participants with a smoke history presented increased AN01 expression in their airway epithelial cells, which could exacerbate COPD.

Oparil Receives AHA Heart of Gold Award

Suzanne Oparil, M.D., (Distinguished Professor, CVD) received the inaugural American Heart Association Birmingham Heart of Gold Award for her outstanding leadership and service which improved cardiovascular health locally and internationally.

Two-thirds of People with High Cholesterol Don't Get Statins

In a retrospective study, CVD fellow Naman Shetty, M.D., found that two in three patients diagnosed with severe dyslipidemia — elevated cholesterol levels — did not receive lipid-lowering therapies, increasing their risk for CVD.

Sharafeldin Addresses Pediatric Cancer in Egypt

Noha Sharafeldin, MBBCh, MSc, Ph.D., (Assistant Professor, HemOnc) was awarded the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health Telehealth Pilot Grant to address the lag time from first symptoms to diagnosis and timely referrals for children with cancer in Egypt.

Riggs Named JGIM Associate Editor

Kevin Riggs, M.D., MPH, (Assistant Professor, GIM) was selected to serve as an Associate Editor for the Journal of General Internal Medicine. He will play a critical role in the production and publication process of the journal.

Nominate a DOM STAR!

Nominations for the Department of Medicine's quarterly DOM STAR Award are open. Help us highlight the exceptional efforts of someone working within the department. The deadline to submit nominations is February 29.