Category: Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology
Dr. Lara Longobardi Publishes Research on Chemokine Receptor-2 Role within Osteoblasts, in the Context of Osteoarthritis
The paper was recently published in Biomolecules Journal. This innovative research investigated whether genetic osteoblast-specific inactivation of the chemokine receptor Ccr2 at different times during post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) progression improves joint structures, bone parameters and pain. You can access the article, titled “CC-Chemokine Receptor-2 Expression in Osteob … Read more
Featured Physician: Onyinye Iweala
Onyinye Iweala, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology. She specializes in environmental allergies (allergic rhinitis), chronic hives and swelling (urticaria and angioedema), food allergies (including alpha-gal allergy), and anaphylaxis. She first aspired to get a PhD in the 6th grade. Dr. Iweala is a mom to three ch … Read more
Dr. Kelli Allen Interviewed by the New York Times in Story Titled, “Is Arthritis Avoidable?”
The article emphasized that the signs and symptoms of arthritis aren’t always an inevitable part of aging. Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help to prevent excessive wear and tear of your joints and to reduce pain if arthritis sets in later in life, Dr. Allen said. Learn more by accessing the news article in the New York Times. Kelli Allen, PhD, is a … Read more
Dr. Rumey Ishizawar’s Research Finds Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients May Safely Receive Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment
The study evaluated whether pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis was associated with a higher mortality and risk for immune-related adverse events with immune checkpoint inhibitor use. Joining Dr. Ishizawar in conducting this research were UNC colleagues; Dr. Amanda Lusa, Dr. Todd Schwartz, Carolina Alvarez, and Shruti Saxena Beem. Learn more about the study findings via this summar … Read more
97 Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers Receive 2023 Award for Carolina Care Excellence
Each year, UNC Hospitals administers the Press Ganey Medical Practice survey to solicit feedback from patients. The survey asks our patients about their likelihood of recommending their provider’s practice to their friends and family. This year, 202 UNC physicians and advanced practice providers received the highest recommendations, which places them in the top quartile nationall … Read more
Drs. Orzechowski, Derebail Featured in Healio Vasculitis Video Perspectives Series
Nicole Orzechowski, DO, and Vimal Derebail, MD, were featured as vasculitis experts by Healio in a new video series of medical perspectives.
Department of Medicine Grants & Funding: March 1 – March 31, 2023
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology Richard F. Loeser, Jr., MD, received a $2 million NIH grant to study “Oxidative Stress and the Development of Osteoarthritis”
UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center Hosts the 2023 “Carolinas Fellows Collaborative” Winter Symposium
Twenty-five rheumatology fellows from UNC, Duke, Wake Forest, Medical University of South Carolina, and Massachusetts General Hospital participated at the 3-day meeting. Educational sessions consisted of a series of seminars, workshops, and a Rheumatology Observed Structured Clinical Exam (ROSCE). The Carolinas Fellows Collaborative is a biannual meeting with the summer gathering … Read more
Dr. Richard Loeser Receives $2 Million NIH Grant to Study “Oxidative Stress and the Development of Osteoarthritis”
The grant is a 5-year renewal of existing research funded by the National Institute of Aging. The overall goal of the research project is to understand the mechanisms by which oxidative stress governs development and maintenance of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in articular joints. Dr. Loeser is Director of the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center, and is the Jo … Read more
Novel Peanut Allergy Treatment Shown to be Safe, Effective, and Lasting
A four-year clinical trial led by Edwin Kim, MD, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics, has found that an increased dosage of a unique type of peanut allergy immunotherapy continues to show promise for children.
Welcome New Administrative Leadership
As the calendar year comes to a close, the Department of Medicine has much to celebrate. Congrats to the following individuals who are beginning new administrative positions with the Department. Their expertise and enthusiasm will help us excel in 2023. While others are moving along in their career journey, we are thankful for their contributions and wish them the best in their f … Read more
2023 Fellows Match to the Department of Medicine
The Department of Medicine is honored to welcome new Tar Heel trainees! The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) released results for the 2022 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match on November 30. This is the first year the organization’s largest Fellowship Match included subspecialties in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction and multidisciplinary specialties. More th … Read more