Developing a blood clot in the lungs is a relatively common life-threatening condition, and a number of new technologies have emerged that provide multiple options for treatment of such pulmonary emboli. To give our patients at UAB the best possible care for their particular situation, a multi-disciplinary team of physicians have established a PERT, or Pulmonary Embolism Response Team.
Led by cardiologist Sam McElwee, MD, this clinically diverse group of physicians provide rapid evaluation, risk stratification and treatment recommendations for patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Since PERT’s inception in 2018, over 340 patients have received treatment, and outcomes have steadily improved. We salute this extraordinary team!
Doctors above, pictured left to right, top to bottom: Christopher Green, Hussein Abu Daya, Sam McElwee, Jori May, Mustafa Ahmed, Martin Amor, Shane Prejean, Keith Wille, Sheetal Gandotra, Evan Watts, Firas Al Solaiman, Greg Von Mering. Not pictured: Dr. Charles Hoopes.
More Good News for March 12, 2020
Ravi Bhatia, MD (Professor and Director, Hematology and Oncology) is the 2021 Max Cooper Award for Career Excellence in Research recipient. His research focus has been elucidating the tumor microenvironment pathways that contribute to development of leukemia. Well deserved, Dr. Bhatia!
Gregory Payne, MD, PhD (Assistant Professor, Cardiovascular Disease) and colleagues have published a study in JCI Insight highlighting a new mechanism of inflammation in acute cardiac transplant rejection. They conclude that these findings represent a potentially new target to reduce inflammation in cardiovascular disease.
Rising second-year residents Veronica Pitocchi and Elizabeth Babin Campbell have been selected as 2021-22 Primary Care Scholars! The program gives residents the opportunity to experience high-performing outpatient practices, gain understanding of team-based primary care, and to develop into future leaders of primary care.
UAB's Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Program directed by Marty Solomon, MD (Associate Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care) was recently commended for their exemplary adaptation of clinic processes to COVID-19 restrictions and for overall quality improvement efforts by the CF Foundation's annual review. Kudos everyone!
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama has given $1.05 million to support 14 breast cancer research projects throughout the state. Among them are investigations led by Drs. Randall Davis, Erica Stringer-Reasor, Troy Randall, and Ahmed Elkanany. Congrats on these awards!
Will Callans, MPH, MSHA, returns to UAB from Acclaim Physician Group in Ft. Worth, Texas, where he served as the administrator of the Family Medicine service line. His experience in leading collaborative health care teams will help advance the tripartite mission of the Division of Hematology and Oncology. Welcome aboard, Will!