Author Archives: Morgan Duerden

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, best known for its cancer-treating abilities, are being explored as an option for managing autoimmune rheumatic diseases. A team of investigators, including Saira Sheikh, MD, published a guide in ACR Open Rheumatology, providing a detailed exploration of the framework required for rheumatologists to initiate...

Annually, Clarivate releases a list of scientists who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their field(s) of research. The following UNC Department of Medicine faculty were recognized for their work in 2025: John Buse, MD, PhD, Verne S. Caviness Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology (Category: Clinical...

Eugene and Susan Sherman made a generous donation to the UNC Cardiovasulcar Kidney Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome Clinic. CKM Syndrome is a health condition that connects problems with the heart, kidneys, and metabolism. It often includes diseases like heart problems, kidney issues, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. These problems can exacerbate...

The Department of Medicine is honored to welcome new Tar Heel trainees! The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) released results for the 2025 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match on December 3. Over 8,500 trainees matched to advanced training positions. After a successful Match, the following fellows will join Department subspecialties...

The 5th annual Turkey Trot, organized by Dr. Jennifer McEntee and John Gotelli, welcomed over 100 participants to complete a 5K or 1 mile run/walk. The Thanksgiving Day event brings the community together to promote wellness and raise funds for Presents from Pazlie, a non-profit organization honoring Pazlie Loftus, a...

UNC Health unveiled a commemorative plaque this week honoring Ronald J. Falk, MD, for his visionary leadership in the creation of the UNC Eastowne Medical Office Building. The surprise recognition took place on October 28th during a gathering of colleagues and leaders who celebrated Dr. Falk’s decades of impact on...

Diabetes and obesity are two of the most pressing health challenges in North Carolina. More than 1 million North Carolinians live with diabetes, and over 2 million struggle with obesity. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and cardiovascular disease, significantly shortening lives and contributing billions of...

UNC researchers, including Seth Berkowitz, MD, MPH, and Darren DeWalt, MD, MPH, found that a monthly $40 food subsidy improved blood pressure among people facing food insecurity. The results were published in JAMA Internal Medicine. A first-of-its-kind clinical study shows that offering modest monthly grocery cards for produce leads to...

he American College of Rheumatology will be awarding Richard F. Loeser, Jr., MD, MACR, Eminent Professor in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Director of the Thurston Arthritis Research Center, the 2025 Distinguished Basic/Translational Investigator Award at this year’s ACR Convergence meeting in Chicago,...

At the heart of our UNC Department of Medicine, patient safety is more than a priority, it’s a daily practice woven into every aspect of care. In recognition of Patient Safety Day on September 17, we highlight how our providers put patient safety into action to safeguard patients and strengthen...

Dr. Ana Felix is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine. “I always wanted to be an Elementary School Teacher. Not until my Middle School Teacher suggested I go into Medicine, did it enter my reality- no-one that I knew had so much as gone to...

The North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Cardiology awarded UNC cardiologists Thelsa Weickert, MD, George (Rick) Stouffer, MD, and Alan Hinderliter, MD, with a grant for their project, “Expanding Echocardiography Access for Underserved Populations in Central North Carolina”. The award has the goal to fund a project focused...