Julie Kanter, MD (Associate Professor, Hematology and Oncology) has received NIH approval to participate in a clinical trial to study a possible cure for Sickle Cell Disease. The Lentiglobin BB305 Study will begin enrolling patients in the next couple of months here at UAB, and initial results have been very promising.
More Good News for April 3, 2019
Dr. John H. Holt, Jr. (Professor, Cardiovascular Disease) has been at UAB since 1961, serving with distinction in his clinical specialty of electrocardiography. He has also played a tremendous role in the education of our fellows, teaching on virtually every cardiovascular services over the years. His wife Nancy has also made significant contributions to academic medicine, working as one of two original operators for UAB’s “Medical Information Service via Telephone” (MIST) line until her retirement in 2001. Together, they plan to leave an additional legacy through their philanthropy by establishing the John H. Holt, Jr., MD, and Nancy M. Holt Endowed Professorship in Cardiovascular Medicine. The Department is truly grateful for both their exemplary service and generosity!
Jasvinder Singh, MD, MPH (Professor, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology) has published results of a Medicare cohort study to determine whether the link between gout and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is causal, or due to shared risk factors for the two diseases. Their results show that the presence of gout is associated with a threefold higher risk of CKD in older adults.
Vera Bittner, MD, MSPH (Professor, Cardiovascular Disease) has published a perspective in Circulation about the new ACC/AHA primary prevention guidelines for cardiovascular disease. In it, she explains how the guide pulls together and updates guidance on 9 topic areas: risk assessment, diet, exercise/physical activity, obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, blood cholesterol, hypertension, smoking cessation and aspirin use. Paramount is a patient-centered treatment paradigm that emphasizes team-based care, shared decision-making, and evaluation of social determinants of health.
Mike Saag, MD (Professor, Infectious Diseases) has been appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). The Council provides advice and information on HIV/AIDS to the secretary of Health and Human Services in order to promote effective treatment and prevention and ensure quality of care for those with HIV or AIDS. He was sworn in on March 14.
Chaeli Lawson, CRNP (Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care) has received the Alabama State Nurses Association Citation of Excellence Award for her exemplary work with the UAB House Calls Program. Through her strategic leadership and collaboration with Dr. Marianthe Grammas, the program has grown from a 30-40 patient panel to a weekly census of approximately 300 patients. Kudos on the well-deserved recognition!
New Faculty Spotlight: Josh Stripling, MD (Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases) joined the Division of Infectious Diseases in August 2018 after completing his training in the Partners Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital with a focus in Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Control. His clinical practice is focused in general infectious diseases at UAB Main and UAB Highlands and in medical education on the Tinsley Harrison Inpatient Service. His other area of focus is in expanding Antimicrobial Stewardship to other hospitals throughout the state with Dr. Pete Pappas.
Coming next week to Medical Grand Rounds: Dr. Andrew Elder, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, will present “Ensuring the Future of Clinical Skills” at noon on Wednesday, April 10, in Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium.
AMWA Research Roundup. Come lunch and learn about the research and insights of members of the American Medical Women’s Association at noon on Tuesday, April 9, in the WP Board Room.
Second Thursdays Gathering. Join your Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Microbiology faculty colleagues for small plates, beverages and good times from 5-7pm on Thursday, April 11, at Iron City Grill.
The 30th Annual Vascular Biology & Hypertension Symposium, with a Pre-Symposium Workshop on Hypertension will be held May 2-4, 2019 here at UAB. Plan now to come hear experts in the field present the latest updates on basic science, novel diagnostic procedures, and clinical trials. Participate in the poster session and refresh your hypertension skills at the pre-symposium workshop. Online registration is available via the web sites. For more information, contact Faith Lang by email or by phone at (205) 934-2580.