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.”

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and an excellent time to learn more about the exciting and innovative work we’re doing to help address a disease that now affects 1 in 4 Americans, and which continues to become more prevalent. Our scientists and physicians are also working hard to find new ways to help people who are affected by Allergies and Autoimmune diseases.

A little known, yet increasingly reported food allergy named “alpha-gal” (referring to a sugar in mammalian meat) is believed to result from tick bites. Physician-scientist Scott Commins, MD, PhD, is one of the leading experts in the U.S. regarding this often undiagnosed allergy, and through the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center, he is conducting research to help better understand alpha-gal. Dr. Commins was interviewed by CBS Morning News regarding the allergy, which for some patients can result in serious allergic reactions.

Dr. Beth Jonas, Dr. Bill Yount, Dr. Saira Sheikh, and Dr. Scott Commins are recipients of the 2018 “Carolina Care Excellence” Award. When recent surveys asked patients if they would recommend their physician to their friends and family, over 95% checked a box indicating, “Yes, Definitely,” for these outstanding doctors. Our congratulations and thanks to these and all of our Thurston physicians for being exemplary in delivering Carolina Care with great empathy and expertise.

The Wall Street Journal has published an article in which Dr. Amanda Nelson and Dr. Leigh Callahan provide expert perspectives regarding the incidence of arthritis as well as osteoarthritis, the reasons for the increasing number of Americans who are affected, and steps people can take to help reduce development and/or disease progression.

Being inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s (AIMBE) “College of Fellows,” is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to medical and biological engineers, and serves as a distinction that honors those who have made outstanding contributions to “engineering and medicine research, practice, or education.”