I recently sat down with our Vice Chairs to reflect on things that are going well and areas where we have room for improvement in the Department of Medicine. We have accomplished so much to be proud of in 2019. Here are a few highlights that stand out:
We care for our patients kindly and well. Every day, we care for thousands of people, improving their health and reducing their suffering from the disease. We think outside the box for our patients. We bring them new treatments. We walk with them through their illnesses. We hold tight to our humanity while caring greatly for the people in our charge. Read more.
More Good News for December 18, 2020
Raegan Durant, MD, MPH (Associate Professor, Preventive Medicine, will assume a new role as principal investigator for The Deep South Resource Center for Minority Aging Research this January. The RCMAR is a collaborative partnership of the Morehouse School of Medicine, Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama and UAB. It focuses on minority aging research with a disparities concentration, particularly related to health problems more prevalent among older African Americans living in both rural and urban areas. Congrats, Dr. Durant!
Luciano Costa, MD, PhD (Associate Professor, Hematology and Oncology) received acclaim for the MASTER study at the American Society of Hematology 2019 Annual Meeting. This investigation in multiple myeloma deploys minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment to tailor therapy and to provide treatment-free MRD surveillance. So far, the study has the highest response rate reported in any multiple myeloma trial. Hats off, Dr. Costa!
Rachel Naramore, MD (PGY-3) won the 2019 Top Abstract Poster Award at the recent CHEST conference. Her poster presented "title" will be featured in the January edition of CHEST Physician. Hats off to you, Dr. Naramore!
Susan Bal, MBBS (Assistant Professor, Hematology and Oncology) has received the 2020 Amyloidosis Foundation David Seldin, MD, PhD, Memorial Research Grant, for her project, "Understanding the Immune Microenvironment of Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis." Kudos to you, Dr. Bal!
UAB Hospital was recently named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson HealthTMHealthTM. The study spotlights the top-performing cardiovascular hospitals in the United States based on a balanced scorecard of publicly available clinical, operational and patient satisfaction metrics and data.
Julie Kanter, MD (Associate Professor, Hematology and Oncology) participated in the SUSTAIN clinical trial targeting therapy for sickle cell disease and associated vaso-occlusive crises. The new drug, Adakveo® (crizanlizumab), has received approval by the FDA, decreasing the rate of crises in sickle cell disease and long term health outcomes in affected patients by decreasing their risk of death.
In a special celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Palliative and Supportive Care, many volunteered their time to create a book consisting of essays written by members of the palliative care team, volunteers, and the loved ones of former patients. The book, “Restoring the Art of Healing: Stories of Palliative Care,” was compiled by Ellen Dossett, a volunteer at the UAB Palliative and Comfort Care Unit. Purchase a book today for just $30 here.
Jane Davis has been selected as the Department of Medicine Employee of the Month for December 2019! Jane is a Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Nephrology. Jane has been part of the Division for several years and is truly committed to quality care for patients with kidney disease. Think of others you know and nominate them!
MGR is on winter break. Join us when our lectures resume on January 8, 2020. Gregg Talente, MD, Internal Medicine Specialist at the Palmetto Health USC Medical Group will present "How to Achieve a Successful Transition from Pediatric to Adult Medicine."