Pictured above: Research nurses Sue Ellen Binkley, RN, and Dorothy Nieters, RN, in the Infusion Clinic.
When patients with chronic illness like sickle cell disease or cancer also test positive for COVID-19, they still need access to their intravenous medicines. Similarly, people who are participating in COVID research, such as convalescent plasma therapy or development of new treatments, also need a dedicated space for infusion care. Now, thanks to a collaborative effort between leaders in Ambulatory Services and the Department of Medicine, a new clinic space in West Pavilion provides a 9-chair space to safely cohort both patients and research subjects as they receive infusions. We are thrilled to be proactively providing this standard of care with partners across the institution.
More Good News for September 2, 2020
Nicholas Van Wagoner, MD, PhD, (Assoc. Professor, Infectious Diseases) received the 2020 UAB President's Award for Excellence In Teaching. Known as a “superb clinician-educator,” Dr. Van Wagoner is widely regarded for his commitment to building a learning environment where students can thrive. Kudos, Dr. Van Wagoner!
DOPM Professor Maria Pisu, PhD, and SOM Dean Selwyn Vickers, MD, have received a $3 million grant for their ASCENDS project (Advancing Surgical Cancer Care and Equity in the Deep South) which aims to eliminate disparities in gastrointestinal cancer surgery care and outcomes for patients in Alabama and Mississippi.
Ellen Eaton, MD (Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases) has just received an RO1 to develop a multicomponent intervention, HIV+ Service Delivery and Telemedicine through Effective PROs (+STEP), to increase screening and treatment of depression and substance use disorders among patients with HIV. Congratulations, Dr. Eaton!
In Nature Outlook, Steve Rowe, MD, MSPH (Professor, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care) suggests that sweat-chloride measurements could be used to develop and approve drugs for rare mutations in cystic fibrosis, allowing different treatments to reach people who remain very much in need.
Stephen Rostand, MD (Professor Emeritus, Nephrology) wrote a paper in 1979 exploring the rate of ischemic heart disease among dialysis patients. This week, that paper was included in Kidney International's compilation of seminal studies of cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage kidney disease. Kudos, Dr. Rostand!
The Department is excited to resume weekly Medical Grand Rounds after its summer haitus. Our first speaker of the season is Susan Bal, MD (Assistant Professor, Hematology and Oncology) who will present "Amyloidosis. Are We (Congo) RED-y?" at noon on Wednesday, September 9, via Zoom. See you there!
As we enjoy the three-day weekend ahead, we should keep in mind the spikes we saw in COVID-19 cases after Memorial Day and July 4. Let's all remember to practice healthy behaviors: wear a mask, wash our hands frequently and maintain physical distance. Also, a hearty thanks to all who will labor on through the holiday!