News and Accolades
New Genetic Test Could Improve Kidney Transplant Outcomes
Research led by Dr. Aravind Cherukuri recently published in Science Translational Medicine identifies SIRPα mismatch as a key predictor of transplant rejection, offering a new tool to personalize immunosuppression and extend graft longevity.
Two Department of Medicine faculty receive Pitt Health Sciences Ascending Stars Awards
Established in 2022 by Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine, the Ascending Star Awards recognize highly productive and creative mid-career faculty with an award of $25,000. This...
Gavin Arteel, PhD, named as new Associate Vice Chair for Faculty Advancement
It is our pleasure to announce the appointment of Gavin E. Arteel, PhD, as Associate Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Arteel joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine faculty as a Professor of Medicine in the Division of...
New Research Reveals Arginine as Key Regulator of Dangerous Bacterial Phenotype
Researchers in the Division of Infectious Diseases have identified how a common amino acid triggers hypervirulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
New Gift Will Accelerate Breakthroughs in Sarcoma Research by DOM Faculty
The new Dr. John A. Shoener Family Endowed Research Fund for Sarcoma will support studies aimed at improving outcomes for this understudied group of cancers.
Dr. Yana Najjar Honored with 2025 Sy Holzer Endowed Immunotherapy Research Award
Recognized for her innovative work on treatment-resistant and rare melanomas, Dr. Najjar will use the award to develop next-generation immunotherapy strategies.
Dr. Adele Towers Leads Rollout of BrainCheck Cognitive Assessment Platform
Guided by Dr. Towers, UPMC adopted BrainCheck to offer quicker, more accessible cognitive health assessments for patients in primary care settings.
New Study by Dr. Frank Sciurba et al. Shows Promising Results for COPD Treatment
A new study led by Dr. Frank Sciurba, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, reveals that mepolizumab can significantly reduce exacerbations in COPD patients with eosinophilic inflammation—affecting up to 40% of those with the disease.
Dr. Shivdev Rao named as one of the most influential people in health by TIME
The TIME100 Health list features Rao for utilizing AI to transcribe conversations with patients, reducing the burden on physicians.
Telemedicine Improves Access to Endocrinology Care for Rural Patients
Researchers in the Divisions of Endocrinology and General Internal Medicine found that the increased availability of telemedicine during the pandemic improved access to endocrinology care for rural patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers in the Division of Infectious Diseases Develop an Outbreak Detection System that Saves Lives
The Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission uses genomic sequencing to analyze infectious disease samples from patients to determine an outbreak and stop transmission.
Stephen Chan, MD, PhD, elected Vice President of the American Society for Clinical Investigation
In this role, Chan will help support programs that highlight the importance of physician-scientists in biomedical research.
New Associate Vice Chairs appointed to assist with the DOM’s clinical mission
Esra French, MD, MBA, was named Associate Vice Chair for Ambulatory Medicine while Eric Dueweke, MD, MBA, named Associate Vice Chair for Inpatient Medicine and Care Standardization
New Approach Could Treat Anthrax Beyond the “Point of No Return”
Shihui Liu, PhD, and researchers at the Aging Institute found that a cocktail of growth factors reversed would-be lethal cell damage in mice with anthrax.
Deadly Bacteria Developed the Ability to Produce Antimicrobials and Wiped-Out Competitors
A new Nature Microbiology by Daria Van Tyne, PhD, and researchers from the Division of Infectious highlights how a drug-resistant type of bacteria that has recently evolved to weaponize an antimicrobial genetic tool.
PaTH Network Secures $13M to Advance Patient Focused Research
Led by Kathleen McTigue, MD, MPH, the PaTH Network unites researchers, patients, caregivers, clinicians, and health system leaders to improve health outcomes and transform patient care through new discoveries.
Through community-level drug testing, Dr. Raagini Jawa is leading efforts to halt the spread of xylazine
Dr. Jawa has partnered with addiction centers to educate health care providers nationwide on clinical impacts and harm-reduction best practices related to xylazine use.
New research from the Division of Classical Hematology and VMI suggests sickle cell disease drives chronic kidney disease
In a new article in Blood, Dr. Samit Ghosh et al examine how heme could cause chronic kidney disease as well as identifying a potential protein to protect against this complication.
A new U54 grant awarded to Dr. Mehret Birru Talabi will focus on advancing reproductive health for Black populations in Western Pennsylvania
Through multi-level research projects, the project will address key factors related to maternal morbidity and mortality across the reproductive span among Black populations.
A new study by Tim Anderson, MD, MAS, suggests less people may require statins to prevent heart disease
Report published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests a new risk assessment tool could cut the number of people eligible for statin prescriptions.