UAB Healthcare Epidemiologist Rachael Lee, MD, and Infectious Diseases Division Director Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH, are at the forefront of the novel coronavirus outbreak that has been widely reported in the news media. These experts have consolidated UAB policies and resources online and they continue to work with UAB Health System leadership, the CDC, and the Alabama Department of Public Health to address concerns. To date, UAB has had no cases of COVID-19. Experts agree that the best method of preventing the spread of viral infections is frequent hand-washing and covering your cough. We continue to monitor the situation closely and have patient care policies in place if local cases are identified.
More Good News for February 26, 2020
Raegan Durant, MD (Associate Professor, GIM/DOPM) has been recognized with the 2020 Herbert W. Nickens Award from the Society of General Internal Medicine. The Nickens Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to cultural diversity in medicine and to improving minority health. The award will be formally presented at the SGIM Annual Meeting in May. Three cheers, Dr. Durant, and keep up the great work!
The Department is delighted to report that the ACGME has officially notified us that all 14 of our DOM residency and fellowship programs have full continued accreditation, with no citations or areas for improvement! This is the second year in a row that we have received this superlative review, thanks to the efforts of our team of directors, administrators, faculty and learners. Hats off to everyone who is advancing our education mission together!
The Diversity Enrichment Committee of our IM Residency Program recently hosted several special guests to discuss the benefits of community engagement and to share advice for young professionals on how to establish relationships that extend beyond our campus. This is the third in a series of gatherings that aim to promote trainee satisfaction and belonging. Thanks to Keandrea Titer, MD (Assistant Professor, GIM) for organizing this event!
Kelly Hyndman, PhD (Assistant Professor, Nephrology) has received the Renal Section 2020 New Investigator Award from the American Physiological Society. The award recognizes an outstanding young investigator pursuing research in renal physiology, pathophysiology or hypertension. Kudos, Dr. Hyndman!
Sethu Palaniappan, PhD (Associate Professor, Cardiovascular Disease) has earned an RO1 to bioengineer micro-scale models of cardiovascular disease. The project aims to develop cardiac "tissue chips" that will provide platforms for drug testing and disease modeling with direct relevance to humans. This research is an exciting collaboration among our CVD faculty (Drs. Sumanth Prabhu, Martin Young and Tariq Hamid) and investigators in Biomedical Engineering. We salute you, Dr. Palaniappan!
Christina Muzny, MD, MSHP (Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases) has been named Southern Society of Clinical Investigation Postgraduate Mentor of the Year. Olivia T. Van Gerwen, MD, MPH, a post-doctoral fellow in Dr. Muzny's lab nominated her for this honor, and we are delighted to celebrate Dr. Muzny's dedication to mentorship.
S. Louis Bridges Jr., MD, PhD (Professor and Director, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology) has been appointed incoming president of the Rheumatology Research Foundation. He will serve a two-year term for the organization, which is the largest private funding source for rheumatology research and training in the United States. Congrats, Dr. Bridges!
Abigail Raczynski has been selected as the Department of Medicine Employee of the Month for February 2020! Abigail is a Program Director II in the Division of Nephrology. Abigail has been instrumental in the division receiving training grants for predoctoral and undergraduate students. She places a high priority on the needs of all faculty, trainees, and staff within the division of Nephrology. Abigail is timely and accurate when handling records and finances, ensuring the labs operate smoothly and the PI’s execute their preliminary plans with confidence and productivity.
Barry P. Sleckman, MD, PhD, Director of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, will present "Just Do Great Things" as the keynote speaker for the annual DOM Trainee Research Symposium at noon on Wednesday, March 4 in Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium.