News and Accolades
Blood Vessel Damage Ties Respiratory Viruses to Cardiovascular Events
Led by William Bain, MD, and Jana Jacobs, PhD, researchers from the Divisions of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Infectious Diseases helped uncover how vascular injury may drive life-threatening complications in viral respiratory infections.
New Study Maps Cellular Drivers of Fontan-Associated Liver Disease
Research led by Anita Saraf, MD, PhD, identified key cellular and molecular changes driving liver disease in patients with Fontan circulation, offering new insights into diagnosis, transplant timing, and potential future therapies.
Patrick Strollo, Jr., MD, and Sanjay Patel, MD, MS, Coauthor Phase 3 Trial of First Once-Nightly Pill for Sleep Apnea
New research led by Strollo and Patel found that the investigational oral therapy AD109 significantly reduced breathing interruptions and improved oxygen levels in adults with obstructive sleep apnea who could not tolerate CPAP.
Julia Foldi, MD, PhD, Helps Lead Expansion of Breast Cancer Vaccine Trial to Central Pennsylvania
In collaboration with researchers and clinicians at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, Foldi is helping advance a first-of-its-kind vaccine study aimed at preventing breast cancer before it develops.
Three Department of Medicine faculty selected for 2026 Ascending Star Awards
Drs. Mehret Birru Talabi, Lan Coffman, and Daria Van Tyne are among this year’s Health Sciences Ascending Star honorees, recognizing innovative midcareer faculty for excellence in research, mentorship, and impact.
Scott Biggins, MD, Coauthors Study on MELD Exception Denials for Liver Cancer Patients
Research coauthored by Biggins found that liver transplant candidates denied MELD score exceptions for hepatocellular carcinoma had more aggressive tumor characteristics, reinforcing the importance of expert clinical review.
Krithika Rao, PhD, among this year’s Nancy Tannery Grant awardees
Rao was recognized for developing an open-access guide to biomedical research designed to enhance student learning and improve accessibility to course materials.
Three PACCSM Faculty Earn National Recognition with 2026 ATS Awards
Drs. Kambez Benam, Charles Dela Cruz, and Alicia Rizzo honored for leadership, innovation, and research excellence in pulmonary and critical care medicine
Phase 3 VALOR Trial Published in The New England Journal of Medicine Shows Promise of Targeted Therapy for Dermatomyositis
Rohit Aggarwal, MD, MS, and colleagues found that brepocitinib improved muscle strength, skin disease activity, and physical function in patients with treatment-resistant dermatomyositis.
Drs. Mehret Birru Talabi and Flordeliza Villanueva named 2026 Margaret Ragni Awardees
This annual award recognizes outstanding achievement, mentorship, and leadership in advancing women in medicine and science
Stephen Chan, MD, PhD, Named 2026 Harrington Scholar-Innovator
The VMI Director was recognized for his research focused on new therapeutic approaches for pulmonary hypertension
Sonya Borrero Appointed to National Academies Committee on Contraception Access
Borrero will help lead national effort evaluating strategies to improve contraceptive affordability and availability in the United States
The Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism is Helping Shape Collaborative Adrenal Care at UPMC
Drs. Sistla and Manivannan play key roles in multidisciplinary program managing complex adrenal disease through coordinated evaluation, treatment, and education
Samir Saba, MD, Discusses the Future of Cardiology Workforce Development
The Chief of the Division of Cardiology shares insights on restructuring cardiovascular care and addressing physician workforce shortages through training innovation.
Stephanie Maximous, MD, MS, Receives 2026 Pitt Sustainability Faculty Award
Maximous was recognized for advancing climate health education and sustainable health care practices.
Mark Geraci, MD, Named President-Elect of the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine
In this role, Geraci will help guide national strategy and governance for academic internal medicine.
Sarah Gaffen, PhD, Named Distinguished Fellow by American Association of Immunologists
The Department of Medicine immunologist is recognized for a career of scientific leadership, discovery, and service to the field.
Sylk Sotto, EdD, MBS, MPS, Named 2026–27 ELAM Fellow
Sotto was one of four Pitt Health Sciences faculty recognized among national cohort preparing senior women faculty for executive leadership roles in academic medicine.
Department of Medicine Leads the Way in HHT Care Through UPMC Center of Excellence
Under the leadership of Dr. Quyen Nguyen, pulmonary specialists anchor a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and managing this complex vascular disease.
Cardiology Division Leads Multidisciplinary Effort to Improve Cardiogenic Shock Outcomes
A team-based, education-centric program led by Dr. Gavin Hickey is reshaping recognition, response, and survival in this high-risk condition.