Cardio-Oncology Program Receives Gold Certification from International Society of Cardio-Oncology
UAB Cardiovascular Institute's cardio-oncology program led by Carrie Lenneman, M.D. (Associate Professor, Cardiovascular Disease) recently received GOLD status—the highest designation of certification from the International Cardio-Oncology Society. The program delivers cardiology expertise to cancer patients whose treatments can sometimes damage the heart and the cardiovascular system. Gold status designates UAB as a center of excellence for patient care in the field of cardio-oncology. Hats off to all who made this certification possible!
Westbrook, Zainaldin Apply POCUS Training with Life-Saving Results
IM Residents Drs. Brian Westbrook and Carl Zainaldin recently used Point of Care Ultrasound to diagnose a dangerous tension pneumothorax—air trapped in the chest that compresses the lungs and heart. Within minutes of their assessment, their pulmonary fellow placed a chest tube to release the air and restore the patient’s breathing. The residents credit Dr. Rob Smola (Assistant Professor, General Internal Medicine) who directs the POCUS curriculum for training them to diagnose and respond to the medical emergency. Great work, Drs. Westbrook and Zainaldin!
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Announces Rowe as Next Chief Scientific Officer
The Department of Medicine is excited to congratulate Steve Rowe, M.D., MSPH, (Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine) on his new position as Chief Scientific Officer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation—the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis—effective July 1, 2022. As the CF Foundation’s Chief Scientific Officer, Rowe will oversee the direction and execution of their core scientific strategy which aims to find a cure for all patients with cystic fibrosis. Congratulations on this exciting opportunity, Dr. Rowe!
Birket and Erdmann Are 2022 Pittman Scholars
The Department of Medicine's Susan Birket, Ph.D., (Assistant Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine) and Nathan Erdmann, M.D., Ph.D., (Assistant Professor, Infectious Disease) are named among the 2022 James A. Pittman Jr., M.D., Scholars. The program recognizes junior faculty and supports the recruitment and retention of highly competitive scientists and physician-scientists. Each award recipient will receive $12,500 per year for the next three years in support of continued discovery in the basic or clinical sciences. Congratulations, Drs. Birket and Erdmann on this well-deserved recognition. .
Lee Reports Experimental Gel Creates “Lifeline” for Patients Needing Dialysis
Timmy Lee, M.D., (Professor, Nephrology) and colleagues co-authored a report in the journal Biomaterials showing that an experimental nanomatrix gel improves the development of arteriovenous fistula, which provides stable vascular access for patients who require hemodialysis. Experts say this discovery holds promise for more than 600,000 patients in the U.S. with end stage kidney disease.