Above: Julie Kanter, M.D., Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and Co-Director of the UAB Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center
Julie Kanter, M.D., (Associate Professor, Hematology and Oncology; Co-director of the UAB Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center) and colleagues have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. After six months of treatment with the new gene therapy LentiGlobin, clinical trial participants started making more normal hemoglobin than sickled hemoglobin, which has protected them from experiencing painful blockages in their small blood vessels. This treatment holds tremendous promise of an ultimate cure for patients with sickle cell disease, the most common form of inherited blood disorder. Great work, Dr. Kanter!
More Good News for December 17, 2021
DOM faculty Drs. Andrea Cherrington, Monica Baskin, Gareth Dutton, and Orlando Gutiérrez will lead the Deep South Center to Reduce Disparities in Chronic Disease, an NIH-funded project that will establish regional comprehensive research centers on the prevention, treatment and management of comorbid chronic diseases.
Kondal Kyanam, M.D., (Associate Professor, Gastroenterology and Hepatology) published an editorial in Endoscopy discussing endoscopic ultrasound-guided ductal access and drainage, a minimally invasive endoscopic option. He addresses procedure standards, advantages, accessibility and challenges.
Kelly Kenzik, Ph.D., (Assistant Professor, Hematology and Oncology) will investigate the underlying cause of rural disparities in mortality among individuals diagnosed with cancer. The findings will provide critical evidence aimed to inform policy and intervention development for rural patients with cancer.
Stefan Kertesz, M.D., (Professor, Preventive Medicine) presented "Research to Measure What Matters in Primary Care for Persons Experiencing Homelessness: What's the Point, Really?" to the Initiative on Health and Homelessness at The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Kudos, Dr. Kertesz!
David Freedman, M.D., (Professor Emeritus, Infectious Diseases) was elected president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, an organization dedicated to furthering the global knowledge base, improving health, and reducing the worldwide burden of tropical infectious diseases.
There will be no Medical Grand Rounds lecture on Wednesday, December 22, or December 29. Sessions will resume at noon on Wednesday, January 5, via Zoom. Have a Happy Holiday!