2016

David Hemsey, MD, Named Chief of Hospital Medicine Division

The Division of Hospital Medicine is the newest division in the Department of Medicine, established in July of 2016, and was formerly a program within the Division of General Medicine.

Dr. Ria Dancel Describes Benefits of UNC Medicine Procedure Service in Chair’s Corner Podcast

The latest Chair’s Corner episode features a conversation with Dr. Ron Falk and Dr. Ria Dancel, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hospital Medicine. Dr. Dancel highlights the procedures that the UNC Medicine Procedure provides and how the service helps resident training as well as patient care.

Research Highlights: Geriatric Medicine

  Laura Hanson, MD, MPH Laura C. Hanson, MD, MPH Dr. Laura Hanson’s primary research interest has been to understand and improve the quality of palliative care for frail elders, with a focus on dementia care and cancer care—work at the intersection of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine. Finding new ways to deliver high quality care … Continued

Dr. Kenneth Ataga leads clinical trial for drug that dramatically reduces sickle cell pain

Results from an international, multicenter phase 2 clinical trial led by Dr. Ataga were published online by the New England Journal of Medicine on December 3 and were presented December 4 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego. The trial found that an investigational compound called SeIG1 dramatically reduces sickle cell pain crises.

UNC Diabetes Center & UNC Dance Team Dance Together to Raise Awareness for Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association has challenged people around the world to raise awareness about the impact of diabetes with the Diabetes Dance Dare. Our diabetes physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff joined forces with the UNC Dance Team to take the challenge.

Dr. Patricia Rivera Highlights the UNC Lung Cancer Screening Clinic in New Podcast

The latest Chair’s Corner episode features a conversation with Dr. Ron Falk and Dr. Patricia Rivera, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, who is the Director of the UNC Lung Cancer Screening Clinic. This is a clinic that specializes in detecting the risk of lung cancer in patients and also in helping patients decide if lung cancer screening is needed. Dr. Rivera and Dr. Falk discuss lung cancer screening guidelines and how the clinic at UNC helps patients.

Preparing for the Residency Interview Process

Our Chair Dr. Ron Falk interviews Residency Program Director Dr. Deb Bynum and former Chief Resident Dr. Evan Shelby in this conversation about residency interviews.

‘It began with an observation’

Ronald Falk, MD, has earned National Institutes of Health honors for seminal work as a physician-scientist. He will deliver the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Astute Clinician Lecture on Nov. 2 at the NIH. Falk also received the Edward N. Gibbs Lecture & Award in Nephrology, a lifetime achievement award.

Research Highlights: Hospital Medicine

Dr. Ria Dancel is dually appointed in the Department of Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics. She is the Director of the Medicine Procedure Service, led by proceduralist attendings working with resident physicians to perform diagnostic and therapeutic bedside procedures. This service was created in 2014 in order to provide efficient and safe procedures and to standardize resident education and…

Celeste Lee Shares Her Message on the Power of Patient Engagement in New Chair’s Corner Episode

Dr. Falk interviews Celeste Lee in this special episode on patient engagement. Celeste is described by Dr. Falk as an “astonishing leader and ferocious advocate for patient engagement,” and discusses the process of getting patients to become advocates for their health. She is also joined by her husband Daniel Lee, PhD on a discussion about being a caregiver and including patient engagement in the health system. Celeste’s work in patient engagement spans the University of Michigan, the Kidney Health Initiative, and the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and she draws on her own experience as a patient with vasculitis, which she also relates here. Dr. Daniel Lee is a Professor and Chair of Health Policy and Management for the Gillings School of Global Public Health.

Jill Williams, RN, and Peggy Mattingly Honored with ACG SCOPY

  Jill Williams, RN and Peggy Mattingly accept their SCOPY award. Congratulations to Jill Williams, RN, and Peggy Mattingly for winning a SCOPY award from the American College of Gastroenterology in the category of Best Video from an Academic Center. This award recognizes the colonoscopy video they developed which is now used by UNC Gastroenterology’s … Continued

Researchers find two distinct genetic subtypes in Crohn’s disease patients

The UNC School of Medicine discovery could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for the debilitating gastrointestinal condition.

Dr. Patty Chang Featured in New Chair’s Corner Episode on Heart Failure

What is heart failure, and what are the newest options for treatment and care for heart failure patients? Dr. Ron Falk interviews Dr. Patty Chang in this podcast about heart failure. Dr. Chang is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of North Carolina. She directs the Heart Failure and Transplantation Program as well as the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship Program at UNC.

Research Highlights: Cardiology

  Brian Jensen, MD Brian Jensen, MD Dr. Brian Jensen’s clinical and investigative efforts focus on heart failure. The Jensen lab uses animal and cell culture model systems to study the mechanisms of heart injury that lead to the clinical syndrome of heart failure. Dr. Jensen has brought clinical questions from the UNC Heart Failure … Continued

Dr. David Margolis & Dr. Allison Mathews Highlight HIV Cure Research in New Episode of Chair’s Corner

How close are we to a cure for HIV, and what are the messages about HIV that the community needs to hear? Dr. Ron Falk interviews Dr. David Margolis and Dr. Allison Mathews in this episode about HIV cure research and the efforts of the 2BeatHIV project to connect with the community. Dr. Margolis is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. He is the Director for the HIV Cure Center and leads the Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication (CARE.) Dr. Mathews is a researcher who has appointments in both the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and the Department of Social Medicine at UNC, and leads the “2BeatHIV” project.

Lindsay’s Gift

An article published on the Higher Education Works Foundation highlights the kidney transplant story of UNC patient Kevin Howell and donor Lindsay Recchie. Howell, who is the Senior Vice President of External Affairs for the UNC system, is a patient of Dr. Falk. When he needed a kidney transplant, Lindsay Recchie, also a UNC system employee, stepped up to donate. She received the Governor’s Award for Excellence for the gift of her kidney to a co-worker.

Research Highlights: Infectious Diseases

  David Wohl, MD David Alain Wohl, MD That there are only a handful of Ebola-ologists in the world is something that Dr. Wohl, the Site Leader of the UNC AIDS Clinical Trials Unit at Chapel Hill, realized when the massive Ebola outbreak started to peak in 2014. Ebola raged across West Africa and cases … Continued

Medicine Grand Rounds: Thursday, September 15

Gregg J. Silverman, MD Speaker: Gregg Silverman, MD Topic: “Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Genes to Joints” Dr. Silverman is a Professor of Medicine and Pathology at NYU School of Medicine, and Co-Director of the Muskuloskeletal Center of Excellence.

Medicine Grand Rounds: Thursday, September 15

Gregg J. Silverman, MD Speaker: Gregg Silverman, MD Topic: “Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Genes to Joints” Dr. Silverman is a Professor of Medicine and Pathology at NYU School of Medicine, and Co-Director of the Muskuloskeletal Center of Excellence.

Medicine Grand Rounds: Thursday, September 8

Speaker: Christopher Klipstein, MD Topic: “On Lecturing: Tips on Delivering an Effective Lecture” Dr. Klipstein, a Professor of Medicine, was raised in Rochester, NY. He graduated from Williams College in 1989. After spending one year in New York City teaching 7th and 9th grade math, he returned home to attend the University of Rochester School … Continued

Dr. Ethan Basch Highlights the Impact of Patient-Reported Outcomes on Patient Care in Podcast

What are the challenges that patients face in communicating with their physicians, and how do questionnaires work to help? Dr. Ron Falk interviews Dr. Ethan Basch in this podcast about patient-reported outcomes research. Dr. Basch is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UNC, and a Professor of Health Policy and Management in the School of Public Health. He is the Director of the UNC Cancer Outcomes Research Program, and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr. Lisa Carey Discusses Breast Cancer Research and Care in New Chair’s Corner Podcast

What is new in the field of breast cancer care and research, and what is UNC’s involvement? Dr. Ron Falk interviews Dr. Lisa Carey in this podcast about breast cancer research and care. Dr. Carey is the Richardson and Marilyn Jacobs Preyer Distinguished Professor in Breast Cancer Research, and Chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UNC. Dr. Carey is the Medical Director of the UNC Breast Center, the Physician-in-Chief of the North Carolina Cancer Hospital, and Associate Director of Clinical Research at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Department of Medicine Physicians Receive Awards at Whitehead Lecture

The 2016 Whitehead Lecture took place on August 17 and was delivered by Dr. Frank Church, Professor of Medicine from the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. The annual event, which serves as an unofficial convocation for the UNC School of Medicine, has been held since 1947. Following the lecture, awards were presented to faculty and students in the School of Medicine. Department of Medicine faculty and residents were among those honored.

UNC Hospitals recognized by U.S. News & World Report in annual ‘Best Hospitals’ rankings

Ten specialties at UNC Hospitals were recognized as nationally ranked or high performing by U.S. News & World Report in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” issue. Four of our ranked specialties were ranked highest in the state. Across the state, our system performed well. UNC Hospitals, UNC REX Hospital and High Point Regional Hospital ranked No. 2, No. 10 and No. 16, respectively.

Research Highlights: Hematology & Oncology

  Satish Gopal, MD, MPH Satish Gopal, MD, MPH Dr. Gopal went to medical school at Duke University, and trained in medicine-pediatrics at the University of Michigan. He completed medical oncology and infectious diseases fellowships at the University of North Carolina and is board certified in both disciplines. He lived in Tanzania from 2007 until … Continued

Dr. Patrick Nachman Answers Common Questions about Rituximab Treatment in New Chair’s Corner Podcast

What should patients know about treatment with rituximab for ANCA vasculitis? What do physicians consider when starting a patient on this medication? Dr. Patrick Nachman and Dr. Ron Falk explain these details in a new episode of Chair’s Corner. Dr. Patrick Nachman is the Covington Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at UNC, and he also serves as the Deputy Director for the UNC Kidney Center.

Researchers Discuss Challenges, Successes of HIV Cure Research in Science

A better understanding of HIV latency is the key to eradicating the virus researchers at the University of North Carolina and partner institutions write in a perspective in the journal Science.

Clinical Spotlight – Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing

In each e-newsletter we plan to highlight one of our outstanding clinical programs. This summer we are highlighting the Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing (CEDAS).

Research Spotlight: Dr. Millie Long

In each e-newsletter we plan to profile research being done by one of our 40+ faculty members. This summer we are highlighting Dr. Millie Long from our IBD program.

Study Led by Dr. Myron Cohen Proves that HIV Treatment will Prevent Infection

Anti-HIV medications suppress the viral load of people living with HIV and provide durable protection against heterosexual transmission, a study led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found. Researchers found a 93 percent reduction of HIV transmission when the HIV-infected person started antiretroviral therapy or ART at a higher CD4 cell count. The groundbreaking final results of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Peadar Noone, MD Introduces the UNC Center for Bronchiectasis Care in New Podcast

The UNC Center for Bronchiectasis Care recently opened in Meadowmont in Chapel Hill, NC. In this new Chair’s Corner podcast, Dr. Ron Falk interviews Dr. Peadar Noone, who is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, and Medical Director for this new center. Dr. Noone answers some questions patients commonly ask about bronchiectasis and mycobacterial lung infections.

Shannon Carson, MD publishes study in JAMA on communication intervention for medical decision-makers

Dr. Carson, Professor of Medicine and Division Chief of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, along with co-principal investigator Judith Nelson, MD, JD, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Christopher Cox, MD, of Duke University, led a four-year, first-of-its kind clinical study.

UNC researchers help create key diagnostic measures for gastrointestinal disorders

UNC School of Medicine faculty members Miranda van Tilburg, PhD and William Whitehead, PhD took on critical roles in amending diagnostic criteria questionnaires for the Rome Foundation, an international nonprofit aimed at improving the lives of the millions of people suffering from functional GI disorders (FGIDs).

Karen Mohlke, PhD and Victor Garcia-Martinez, PhD named Smithies Investigators

The UNC School of Medicine selected Karen Mohlke, PhD, professor of genetics, and Victor Garcia-Martinez, PhD, professor of medicine and member of the UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, as Smithies Investigators, an annual award to honor senior faculty members who have made significant research contributions and achieved international recognition for their work.

Research Highlights: Nephrology & Hypertension

  Jenny Flythe, MD, MPH Jenny Flythe, MD, MPH Dr. Flythe is a nephrologist and clinical investigator focused on improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for individuals with dialysis-dependent end-stage kidney disease. She joined the UNC School of Medicine faculty in 2014 after completing her nephrology fellowship and public health training at Brigham and … Continued

UNC researchers help create key diagnostic measures for gastrointestinal disorders

UNC School of Medicine faculty members took on critical roles in amending diagnostic criteria questionnaires for functional GI disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide.

UNC a lead site in clinical trial of three hepatitis C medications

Dr. Michael Fried, director of the UNC Liver Center, is a co-principal investigator of the PRIORITIZE Study.

Darren DeWalt, MD, MPH returns to helm the Division of General Medicine

The Department of Medicine welcomes the return of Dr. Darren DeWalt as Chief of the Division of General Medicine & Clinical Epidemiology. Dr. DeWalt spent many years at UNC during his residency and fellowship training, and then as a faculty member of the Division. He spent the last two years directing the Learning and Diffusion Group at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. DeWalt’s new appointment will take effect near the end of July.

UNC Liver Center partners with Halifax County physicians to improve hepatitis C care

Web-based physician mentoring yields an impressive rate of cure for those treated in their community

UNC Hospitals honored with Mission: Lifeline achievement award

UNC Hospitals earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for the quick and appropriate treatment of STEMI patients by providing emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries when needed.

Dr. Swathi Eluri discusses transition readiness for pediatric EOE patients and their families

  Dr. Swathi Eluri Dr. Swathi Eluri presented new findings this year at Digestive Disease Week discussing patient readiness for transition from pediatric to adult care.   Read more at Healio: http://www.healio.com/gastroenterology/esophagus/news/online/%7B21afaf8a-7706-4655-b2a8-d2f74e29d6e5%7D/health-care-transition-readiness-lags-in-pediatric-eoe-ege

Next-generation HCV treatments should benefit challenging patient groups

  Dr. Michael Fried discusses exciting findings about challenging HCV patient groups with the Digestive Disease Week blog located here: http://ddwblog.org/2016/05/next-generation-hcv-treatments-should-benefit-challenging-patient-groups/

Diabetes drug lowers risk of cardiovascular complications, kidney disease

For the first time, a large clinical trial showed across-the-board cardiovascular benefit of a diabetes drug – liraglutide – a much-needed outcome for people with type 2 diabetes.

New Podcast Featuring Dr. Evan Dellon Describes Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Dr. Evan Dellon describes eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an allergic condition of the esophagus which causes a person to have trouble swallowing food, in this new podcast with Dr. Ron Falk. In addition to describing the symptoms of this condition, how it is diagnosed, and how it can be treated, Dr. Dellon and Dr. Falk also talk about the risk factors for EoE and why the incidence of this condition is increasing.

UNC Internal Medicine Residents Recognized in Awards Ceremony

The Department of Medicine held its annual end-of-year awards ceremony in May. Many outstanding residents and faculty were recognized for their clinical and academic excellence. Read more for the list of recipients and a selection of photos from this event.

Isaacs honored by American Gastroenterological Association

At the group’s annual Digestive Disease Week conference in San Diego, Kim Isaacs, MD, PhD, was named the American Gastroenterological Association’s Clinician of the Year.

Research Highlights: Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Evan Dellon, MD Evan Dellon, MD Dr. Evan Dellon’s research focuses on eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic allergy/immune-mediated esophageal disease. This condition is characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and a marked eosinophilic infiltration in the esophageal mucosa, which leads to esophageal strictures and other structural changes. Symptoms of EoE include dysphagia and food impaction … Continued

Isaacs honored by American Gastroenterological Association

At the group’s annual Digestive Disease Week conference in San Diego, Kim Isaacs, MD, PhD, was recognized with the American Gastroenterological Association’s Distinguished Clinician Award.

UNC Center for Bronchiectasis Care Begins Serving Patients in Chapel Hill

Located in the UNC Pulmonary Specialty Clinic at Meadowmont, the UNC Center for Bronchiectasis Care will diagnose, treat, and provide long-term support for patients with bronchiectasis, as well as patients with mycobacterial lung infections.

New Chair’s Corner Podcast Highlights the Work of “Heart Health Now”

Dr. Sam Cykert leads UNC’s efforts for “Heart Health NOW! Advancing Heart Health in NC Primary Care,” an initiative of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in partnership with Community Care of North Carolina. Researchers use the electronic health record to calculate risk factors and engage with primary care providers to improve the heart health of their patients.

Identifying Health Disparities in the Treatment of Lung Cancer – with Dr. Sam Cykert

Dr. Sam Cykert explains the health disparities that exist among African Americans and the increased risk for lung cancer outcomes, as well as interventions that UNC is using to help. Dr. Cykert is Professor of Medicine, Associate Director of Medical Education for NC AHEC Program, and Clinical Director of the NC Regional Extension Center for Health Information Technology.

Improving Heart Health in North Carolina – with Dr. Sam Cykert

This Chair’s Corner episode features Dr. Sam Cykert, Professor of Medicine, Associate Director of Medical Education for NC AHEC Program, and Clinical Director of the NC Regional Extension Center for Health Information Technology. Dr. Falk and Dr. Cykert discuss the research project “Heart Health Now” which seeks to improve heart health of patients in primary care practices in North Carolina.

Promise of nearly a year of life on targeted drug not reality for all liver cancer patients

Study led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center members Hanna Sanoff and Stacie Dusetzina found that the liver cancer drug can have serious side effects and significant out-of-pocket costs for advanced liver cancer patients.

UNC@DDW 2016 Schedule

UNC Gastroenterology traveled to San Diego, CA on May 20th-24th to give over one hundred presentations at this year’s Digestive Disease Week (DDW). DDW is the world’s largest gathering of physicians and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery, and showcases the best and most innovative research in the field of … Continued

UNC School of Medicine Class of 2016 Selects Keisha Gibson, MD, MPH for Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Faculty Award

UNC Kidney Center’s Dr. Keisha Gibson was recognized by the Class of 2016 with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Faculty Award at the School of Medicine Commencement this weekend. This award, sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, honors a faculty member “who best demonstrates the Foundation’s ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care; respect for patients, their families, and healthcare colleagues; and clinical excellence.”

Dean’s Office offers seminars on “Demystifying Appointments, Promotions and Tenure”

The Dean’s Office is pleased to announce a series of workshops on Demystifying Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure policies in the School of Medicine.

UNC Heart Valve Team Successfully Performs First-Ever Suprasternal Procedure Using the Evolut–R Valve

Tommy Caranasos, MD and John Vavalle, MD performed the first transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the world using a suprasternal approach with the Aegis Surgical Transit system and the Medtronic Evolut-R valve this week on May 3.

UNC’s IBD Team “Takes Steps” for Crohn’s and Colitis Research

  On Saturday, April 30th a team of UNC Gastroenterology faculty, nurses, patients, and friends participated in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s (CCFA) Take Steps Walk. Led by Co-Captains Dr. Millie Long and Dr. Kim Isaacs, Team UNC raised over $10,000 to support high quality basic and clinical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research. As one … Continued

Dr. Shannon Carson Discusses Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine at UNC in Chair’s Corner Podcast

This episode features Dr. Shannon Carson, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in an interview with Dr. Ron Falk about UNC’s work in the field of lung disease and critical care.

Research Highlights: General Medicine & Clinical Epidemiology

Samuel Cykert, MD Samuel Cykert, MD Dr. Cykert’s research career has emphasized access to care, resolution of health disparities in cancer care, and primary care practice improvement including cancer prevention and informatics. He is Clinical Director of the North Carolina Regional Extension Center for Health Information Technology and Director of UNC’s Program on Health and … Continued

UNC to play instrumental role in first-ever national study of dietary interventions to treat Crohn’s Disease

A research question posed through the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Partners Patient-Powered Research Network CCFA Partners – a collaboration between UNC and the CCFA – served as motivation for this study concept.

Media Contact: Jamie Williams, jamie.williams@unchealth.unc.edu

Joshua Zeidner Raises Awareness for Bone Marrow Donor Needs with Superior Court Judge Carl Fox

Superior Court Judge Carl Fox hosted a “UNC Heroes” fundraising event for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on Sunday, April 24 in Carrboro, NC. Judge Fox was appointed as the first black District Attorney in North Carolina in 1984 and became Senior Superior Court Judge in 2005. He was diagnosed in 2015 with a type of blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome.

TARC Physicians in the News for Pioneering “Alpha-Gal” Allergy Work

The Thurston Arthritis Research Center has been featured in the news recently for its work on alpha-gal, an allergy to red meat that has been linked to tick bites. TARC physicians Maya Jerath, MD, PhD and Scott Commins, MD, PhD were both interviewed by national and local news media to raise awareness regarding this often serious but frequently undiagnosed allergy.

Congratulations to the Department of Medicine Physicians Named to 2015-2016 Best Doctors in America®

Eighty-five physicians in the Department of Medicine were named to the 2015-2016 Best Doctors in America® list. Only five percent of doctors in America earn this prestigious honor, decided by impartial peer review. Best Doctors, Inc helps patients get the right diagnosis and right treatment.

Juliano Wins Teaching Award

Jonathan Juliano, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, was recently honored with UNC’s Distinguished Teaching Award for Post-Baccalaureate Instruction. Established in 1995, the prestigious award recognizes the important role post-baccalaureate instruction plays in defining a student’s career. Only four faculty from around UNC’s campus are selected annually.

More UNC Gastroenterologists named as Best Doctors® than all other NC, SC, and VA medical schools – combined.

18 UNC GASTROENTEROLOGISTS NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS 2015-2016 BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICA® LIST

Four UNC Gastroenterology Faculty receive Award for Carolina Care Excellence

Each year, UNC Health Care administers the CMS-approved Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS) survey to solicit feedback from patients. One question on that survey asks patients if they would recommend their provider’s office to friends and family. One hundred and thirty three of our providers had more than 94 percent of their patients respond “Yes, definitely!” to that question, which places them in the top quartile nationally.

Research Highlights: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine

  Jason Mock, MD, PhD Jason Mock, MD, PhD Dr. Jason Mock is interested in how the lung resolves injury and undergoes repair after damage. In acute or chronic injury the failure to regenerate the lung epithelium plays a role in such processes as pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, aging, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). … Continued

The Department of Medicine Welcomes Medicine Admissions Officer Joanne Lowry

Joanne Lowry has recently joined the Department of Medicine as Medicine Admissions Officer, a new position designed to streamline Medicine patient admissions at UNC Hospitals.

SHM 2016

Dr. Chris Caulfield presents his abstract, Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Discharged from the Emergency Department After Referral for Hospitalist Admission.

SHM 2016

Dr. John Stephens presenting Escher Howard Williams’ poster, Standardizing the admission process using Lean/Six sigma “One piece flow”.

SHM 2016

Dr. Ria Dancel with her poster, A sticky situation: Identifying Froin’s syndrome as a sign of spinal cord neoplasm.

SHM 2016

Dr. Michael Craig with his poster, Provider Home Visits to Reduce Re-admissions for High-Risk Patients.

SHM 2016

Dr. John Stephens with two of his posters, Variation in physician discharge order time at an academic children’s hospital & Constipation-related healthcare utilization before and after hospitalization for constipation.

SHM 2016

Drs. Christopher Caulfield, Zarina Sharalaya, and Ria Dancel with their poster, Creation and growth of a hospitalist led medicine procedure service: a 2-year experience.

Research Highlights: Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology

Richard Loeser, MD, PhD Richard Loeser, MD, PhD Dr. Richard Loeser’s research focuses on understanding basic mechanisms relevant to joint tissue destruction in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the primary cause of pain and disability in older adults. A lack of treatments that slow or stop the progression of OA is a major limitation in the … Continued

Eric Klett, MD Receives Strong Scores for Research Project Grant

Eric Klett, MD

Valentine’s Day: Is it about the heart, or the hormones?

In this Valentine’s Day-themed discussion, Dr. John Buse and Dr. Ron Falk discuss the role of hormones and the endocrine system. This is one part of his upcoming diabetes podcast with Dr. Ron Falk.

Meet the Program Directors: Gerald Hladik, MD

Dr. Hladik is the Doc J Thurston Distinguished Professor of Medicine; Medical Director, Acute Dialysis Unit, UNC Hospitals; Director, Nephrology Training Program; Chief, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension

Meet the Program Directors: Ashley Henderson, MD

Dr. Henderson is Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine and is Program Director of the Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program.

Meet the Program Directors: Jean Dostou, MD

Dr. Dostou is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and is the Director of the Endocrinology Fellowship Program.

Meet the Program Directors: Beth Laurie Jonas, MD, FACR

Dr. Jonas is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology and is the Program Director for the Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program. She also plays a large role in the Foundation Phase of the new medical school curriculum. In 2015, Dr. Jonas received the American College of Rheumatology Distinguished Fellowship Program Director Award.

Meet the Program Directors: Joseph (Alex) Duncan, MD, PhD

Dr. Duncan is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases. He is the Director of the Infectious Diseases Training Program and Director of the Physician-Scientist Training Program.

Meet the Program Directors: Margaret Drickamer, MD

Dr. Drickamer is Director of the Geriatric Fellowship Program, Service Leader, Inpatient Service Leader, and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine.

Meet the Program Directors: Alice Ma, MD

Dr. Ma is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and is the Fellowship Director for the Hematology/Oncology Program.

Michael Pignone, MD Discusses Need for Depression Screenings in New York Times

Michael Pignone, MD

Meet the Vice Chairs: Janet Rubin, MD

Dr. Rubin is a Professor of Medicine and the Vice Chair for Research for the Department of Medicine.

Meet the Vice Chairs: Bruce Wicks, MHA, FACHE

Mr. Wicks is Vice Chair for Administration for the Department of Medicine.

Meet the Vice Chairs: Linda Raftery, BSN, MHA

Ms. Raftery is Associate Chair for Operations for the Department of Medicine.

Meet the Vice Chairs: Lee Berkowitz, MD

Dr. Berkowitz is the Eunice Bernhard Distinguished Professor
 Vice Chair of Education for the Department of Medicine.

Laurie Yopp, RN, IBD Nurse wins 2015 SOM Nursing Recognition Awards

Eight outstanding nurses were recently recognized as winners of the 2015 School of Medicine Nursing Recognition Awards. These awards were established as a way to express the faculty’s respect and appreciation for nurses whose personal contributions have made a significant contribution to patient care. Each award includes a $1,000 scholarship to be used over a three year period for professional development.

Chairman’s Welcome

  Ron Falk, MD, UNC Department of Medicine Chair It is with a great sense of gratitude and pride that I welcome you to the UNC Department of Medicine. The Department of Medicine has a long and enduring tradition of teaching physicians as primary care providers, specialists, academic physician-scientists, and leaders in medical, governmental and … Continued

Research Highlights: Endocrinology/Metabolism

  Maya Styner, MD Maya Styner, MD Dr. Maya Styner’s lab is interested in how exercise benefits health, specifically bone marrow health. Our bones are not stagnant, rock-like materials – they change throughout life. The marrow within bones contains various kinds of cells, including fat cells. The proportions of these cells can decrease or increase … Continued