Department of Medicine News
Research from the Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center led by Dr. Jason Luke leads to FDA approval of melanoma treatment
Based on results from the KEYNOTE-716 trial led by Dr. Jason Luke, pembrolizumab resulted in a marked improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and reduced disease recurrence or death by 35%, leading to its approval for treatment of patients 12 years and older...
Department of Medicine
Research Day 2022 Virtual
The 20th Annual Department of Medicine Research Day will be held on April 26th, 2022. The event will be offered virtually this year! Abstract Submission is open now through January 28.
NIH U54 leads to creation of TriState SenNet Tissue Mapping Center
Led by Drs. Toren Finkel and Melanie Königshoff, the TriState SenNet TMC combines the expertise of faculty from Pitt, CMU, OSU, and URMC to develop a high-resolution map of the senescent cell population in the human lung and heart, define the physiological drivers of senescence, and provide a rational approach to understand the therapeutic potential of senolytic therapy.
Kambez H. Benam develops new robot to simulate vaping effects
To better understand potential damage that emerging vaping products may have on human lungs, Dr. Benam and his team have created a first-in-kind biologically inspired robotic system that quantitatively analyzes submicron and microparticles generated from electronic cigarettes in real-time while mimicking clinically relevant breathing and vaping topography exactly as happens in humans.
NIDDK U01 multidisciplinary grant awarded to DOM faculty for an AKI scientific and data research center
This cross-divisional collaboration among Drs. Kaleab Abebe, Linda Fried, and Paul Palevsky will support the Caring for OutPatiEnts after Acute Kidney Injury (COPE-AKI) Consortium, which develops and tests interventions to reduce morbidity among high-risk patients with moderate or severe acute kidney injury.
The Aging Institute’s Bill Chen, PhD, identifies drugs that could combat COVID-19 mutations
In a recent Nature Communications article, the Chen lab discuss how a high-throughput screen could be used to identify FDA-approved compounds that may resist SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Dr. Christopher O’Donnell to head new Office of Emerging Technologies in Health Sciences Education
This new office will advance and enrich interprofessional learning in the health sciences through embracing new technologies from across and beyond the institution while ensuring that technological advances are more integrated, accessible and equitable.
Dr. Jennifer Corbelli Appointed Vice Chair for Education
Dr. Corbelli has been committed to clinical, educational and leadership excellence and has a passion for mentorship. We are excited to have Dr. Corbelli’s leadership in her new Vice-Chair role; she has the skills, leadership and enthusiasm for her new position.
Dr. Deanna Wilson Testifies to the House Committee about Substance Use & Misuse During COVID-19
Dr. Deanna Wilson recently provided testimony to the House Committee on Energy & Commerce’s hearing on “An Epidemic Within a Pandemic: Understanding Substance Use and Misuse in America.”
Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko Named Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology
Taofeek K. Owonikoko, MD, PhD, will join the Department of Medicine as chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology. Owonikoko, a physician-scientist board-certified in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine, will begin his appointment on July 1, 2021.
Dr. Tamar Krishnamurti presents at the Nobel Summit
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to hear Pitt faculty member Tamar Krishnamurti, PhD, who will participate in a virtual Nobel Summit, “Our Planet, Our Future,” on Monday, April 26.
Dr. Esa Davis Appointed to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force
Dr. Esa Davis has been named a new member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine.
Dr. Dimiter Dimitrov named a Science Superhero
Dr. Dimitrov was one of ten researchers awarded with this distinction by MediFind based on his discovery of potent, neutralizing monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as part of the U.S. COVID-19 response.
Dr. Dana Ascherman Named Chief of the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
We are confident that Dr. Ascherman’s strengths across the tripartite mission and his proven administrative acumen will enable the Division to continue to grow and flourish under his leadership.
Dr. Oliver Eickelberg Appointed Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research
Given that the research mission of the Department of Medicine and the development and sustainment of the career development pipeline remain central tenants of our academic vision, it is our pleasure to announce the appointment of Oliver Eickelberg, MD, as Vice Chair for Basic and Translational Research.
Dr. David Nace tapped to join federal commission to protect nursing homes from outbreaks
The Division of Geriatric Medicine’s Dr. David Nace was one of 25 experts named to serve on the White House’s new Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes.
Virtual Course: Ventilators for Non-Intensivists
PACCM docs Burton Lee, MD, and Megan Acho, MD, have developed peer-reviewed videos to help train doctors outside the field use ventilators on COVID-19 patients. (Alyson Lee)
Dr. Stephen Chan Appointed as New Director of Vascular Medicine Institute
The Department of Medicine has announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen Chan, MD, PhD, as the new Director of the Vascular Medicine Institute beginning January 2020.
The TRACIR Project: TRAuma Care In a Rucksack
Dr. Ron Poropatich and team are developing a fully autonomous medical backpack to assist soldiers who treat trauma victims in the field.
Pitt and UPMC receive $19.2M NIH grant to study red cell exchange treatment for sickle cell disease
Can Red Cell Exchange Treat Advanced Sickle Cell Disease?
Dr. Alison Morris named Chief of the Division of PACCM
Alison Morris, MD, MS, has been appointed chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine (PACCM) beginning July 1, 2019. She is currently the vice chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Medicine.
Pitt Receives $5.8 Million for Opioid Research in Appalachia
Jane Liebschutz, MD, MPH, Chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine, will establish the Appalachian Node of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (CTN) to conduct opioid-related research in the region over the next five years.
Dr. Samir Saba Named Chief of Cardiology
Samir Saba, MD, has been appointed co-director of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute and chief, Division of Cardiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Harnessing the power of AI to identify people at risk of opioid misuse and overdose
Walid Gellad, MD, MPH, is teaming up with Allegheny County officials and national health care databanks to better identify at-risk individuals for opioid overdose using machine learning.
Dr. David Binion Receives Sherman Prize
David G. Binion, MD received the coveted Sherman Prize for his analysis of “Big Data” to better understand IBD and to optimize treatment strategies for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Dr. Binion received this competitive award at the December...
Curavi Acquires TripleCare, Prepares to Rapidly Expand Telemedicine Services
Curavi Health Inc. has acquired TripleCare, a New York-based provider of telemedicine services for skilled nursing facilities. The acquisition positions Curavi, a wholly owned subsidiary of UPMC Enterprises, for rapid growth. Together, the combined entity will serve nearly 100 facilities across 14 states.
Department of Medicine Names Naudia Jonassaint to New Position of Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion
The Department of Medicine has appointed Naudia Jonassaint, MD, MHS, to the position of Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Jonassaint, an Assistant Professor of Medicine and a transplant hepatologist, will work to develop new initiatives and programs to enhance diversity and inclusion across the department.
People Drink More in Colder Regions, Bataller-led Study Finds
Where you live could influence how much you drink. New research from Ramon Bataller, MD, PhD, found that people living in colder regions with less sunlight drink more alcohol than their warm-weather counterparts.
Two PACCM Faculty Are First in Early Study to Use New Device to Treat Chronic Bronchitis
Drs. Frank Sciurba and Roy Semaan in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine treated the first two patients in an Early Feasibility Study of an electrosurgical system created to treat the persistent symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
A Mobile App to Help Patients Better Describe Their Pain
Team Led by Internal Medicine’s Charles Jonassaint, PhD, MHSc, Creates “Painimation”