UNC is renowned for its rich and dynamic Fellowship training programs, which provide cutting-edge and multidimensional learning environments with frequent access to mentors who are the leaders in their field. Learn more about our programs, which are training tomorrow’s leading healthcare practitioners, and preparing them to successfully pursue a wide variety of career choices.

Thurston Researchers recently attended the ACR/RRF conference, where they shared important findings from a new study related to innovative use of sonography for patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and participated in a two-day Rheumatology Research Workshop designed to promote research collaborations and mentoring for early-career researchers in rheumatology.

Many people with osteoarthritis (OA) don’t reach the recommended amount of physical activity that is so key to managing their condition. Research conducted by Dr. Abigail Gilbert with the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center helps shed new light on how and why restless sleep and lowered activity levels are intertwined for people with OA. Dr. Gilbert’s study was published in Arthritis Care & Research and has been written about by Reuters Health and a number of national news outlets, as the findings provide important insights for physicians and patients.

It may sound surprising, but some people develop an allergy to meat named after being bitten by a tick. Dr. Scott Commins authored the seminal paper that first described “alpha-gal” allergy and is one of leading experts in the U.S. He treats patients with the condition and is one of a handful of scientists conducting research into this still poorly understood allergy. If you’d like to learn more about alpha-gal and its increasing prevalence in the U.S., Click Here.

Dr. Saira Sheikh, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Clinical Trials at the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center, and Director of the UNC Rheumatology Lupus Clinic; Dr. Leslie Parise, UNC Professor and Chair of Biochemistry and Biophysics; and EpiCypher, a biotechnology company located in Research Triangle Park, N.C., have received an NIH Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I grant to commercialize development of novel assays to study PAD4 activity.

The AAP has selected an abstract submitted by Dr. Sood and invited her to present her clinical case at the Academy’s annual conference in Orlando later this year. The AAP also chose Dr. Sood as one of its travel grant recipients. UNC Thurston Arthritis Center Allergy/Immunology Fellows as well as Rheumatology Fellows are encouraged to attend and participate in scientific conferences to supplement their learning and to showcase their work. Learn more about our Fellowships, for which enrollment season is now open, by clicking this LINK.

A 1981 graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Jordan received the prestigious award in recognition of her personal accomplishments and professional achievements as a clinician, researcher, mentor, and thought leader. Dr. Jordan’s recognition from Johns Hopkins cited many of her achievements, including her current role as the Joseph P. Archie, Jr. Eminent Professor of Medicine at the UNC School of Medicine, and its Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development. She was also recognized for leading research initiatives that have had significant scientific and policy impact.

Congratulations to three of our physicians for being inducted into the UNC Academy of Educators, which focuses on promoting excellence in teaching and supports faculty development. Inductees are recognized not only for teaching but also for peer-to-peer leadership as they embrace the goals of the UNC School of Medicine’s educational mission.

Meet Bernardine Donato, who throughout her career as a Navy nurse, and a US Air National Guard tactical flight nurse, has used strength training, skydiving and running to stay active and keep her body well conditioned. The days of serving in both Operation Desert Shield as well as Desert Story are over, but even in retirement, she refuses to let arthritis slow her down, as she continues to compete in athletic competitions as well as community art contests. She’s an inspiration for all of us, including her physician, Dr. Rumey Ishizawar. Enjoy reading Bernadine’s story…

Dr. Lara Longobardi was the lead author on a scientific paper examining the association between a biomarker and osteoarthritis of the knee. The research she is conducting with physician-researchers Amanda Nelson, Joanne Jordan, and other colleagues was published in the journal, “Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.” Dr. Brian Diekman also recently published a paper regarding his research into cartilage aging in osteoarthritis. His research appeared in “Aging Cell.”