The Walter B. Frommeyer, Jr., Fellowship in Investigative Medicine is an annual research award that supports a two-year intensive, mentored research experience. Congratulations to our 2020 Frommeyer Fellows, Drs. Chao He and Smith Giri!

Chao He, MD, PhD (PGY-6, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine) will investigate the metabolic crosstalk between macrophages and fibroblasts and how it perpetuates pulmonary fibrosis.
Smith Giri, MD (Assistant Professor, Hematology & Oncology) will conduct his research in refining transplant eligibility among older adults with Multiple Myeloma undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation. 

More Good News for May 20, 2020

Barbara Van Der Pol, PhD (Professor, Infectious Diseases) has demonstrated that women testing positive for vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis are at a higher risk for a sexually transmitted co-infection. However, current testing strategies vary by clinic setting and do not identify all possible types of infection.

Robert Kimberly, MD (Professor, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology) and colleagues have identified genetic variants in the immune system that cause men and women to have different vulnerabilities to lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome. Their findings were recently published in the journal Nature.

Robert Oster, PhD (Professor, Preventive Medicine) has been named a fellow of the American Statistical Association, the nation’s pre-eminent professional statistical society. This honor recognizes his outstanding professional contributions to the field of statistical science. Well-deserved, Dr. Oster!

Olivia Van Gerwen, MD, MPH (Clinical & Post-Doctoral Fellow, Infectious Diseases) was awarded a 2020 CFAR Pilot Award to perform a qualitative study exploring barriers and challenges faced by transgender women in the Southeast regarding uptake and awareness of HIV prevention options. Congrats, Dr. Van Gerwen!

GIM physicians Drs. Stephen Russell and KeAndrea Titer will present "Medical Education and COVID: GEL Study Pre and Post COVID" at Medical Grand Rounds next Wednesday, May 27, at noon, via Zoom. The session will be recorded. Check the DOM site for upcoming MGR events!

As we turn the corner to enter a new phase of "modified business operations" next week, we may feel as though we are winding through a frustrating labyrinth that leads us further away from our goals. Dr. Well-Be reminds us that the journey is not the destination, but an experience that teaches us along the way.