It's been over three months since we first limited business operations at UAB. And while we may be growing tired of COVID-19, the virus itself is still going strong. Case counts across the state are rising, and we must remain vigilant against its spread—especially as we re-enter the campus environment. According to a recent article in The Lancet, masking reduces the risk of virus transmission by 85 percent, so DOM leaders are #UABUnited in support of our masking policies. We urge you to join the cause for safety's sake. Let's do this. Together. #UABUnited

More Good News for June 24, 2020

Gretchen Winter, MD (Assistant Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care) voluntarily traveled to treat COVID-19 patients at the New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center in the midst of the pandemic. She reflects on her experience of victory and loss over the past five weeks. Thank you for caring so bravely, Dr. Winter!

Vice-Chair for Culture and Diversity, Professor Monica Baskin, PhD, will lead a time-limited workgroup to develop an action plan to address systemic racism within the Department. This group seeks diverse voices from across the DOM to ensure our vision of a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. Learn more.

Preventive Medicine professors Isabel Scarinci, PhD, MPH and Young-il Kim, PhD, have published a paper demonstrating the efficacy of a culturally relevant, community-based HPV vaccination intervention among Latinx immigrant mothers with daughters aged 9–12 in Alabama. Nice work!

Drew McDonald had been admitted to UAB Hospital for COVID-19 treatment when Nathan Erdmann, MD (Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases) offered him a chance to participate in our remdesivir clinical trial. After three days, he improved enough for discharge and is now back home with his family.

The journal Hypertension recently recognized "Diurnal Control of Blood Pressure is Uncoupled from Sodium Excretion" as a High Impact Paper for Summer 2020. Congratulations to senior author David Pollock, PhD (Professor, Nephrology) and colleagues for this important contribution to renal science! 

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has designated UAB as a Center of Excellence in antimicrobial stewardship. This distinction recognizes our excellent work in managing the use of antimicrobial agents. Kudos to Peter Pappas, MD (Professor, Infectious Diseases) and his entire ASP team on this accomplishment!

Derek Russell, MD (Assistant Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care) has received a K08 grant to study whether the exosome-associated form of neutrophil elastase may be a promising biomarker for COPD. We wish you terrific success in your investigation, Dr. Russell!

DOM Faculty in the News!

Agarwal: COVID-19 and Kidney Disease: A Deadly Intersection that Requires Investment in Prevention & Research
Anupam Agarwal, MD (Professor and Director, Nephrology) co-wrote an article for The Hill on how COVID-19 is especially risky for patients with kidney disease.

Ovalle: Type 1 Diabetics May Be at High Risk for Severe Illness Related to Coronavirus
Fernando Ovalle, MD (Professor and Director, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism) weighs in on the risks of COVID complications for patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Kertesz: Response to the CDC Docket on Management of Acute and Chronic Pain
Stefan Kertesz, MD, MSc (Professor, Preventive Medicine) shares open comments on the misapplication of the current CDC guidance on opioid prescription that have resulted in patient harm.